I'm a big believer in the whole "everything happens for a reason" cliche. I think that out of every negative situation, you can almost always find something positive or at least learn something from the situation or come out stronger because of it.
My first emotion when I learned about Gavin's limb difference was sadness. There was also guilt, anger and worry, to name a few. It was hard for us to hear that news at first. And it will be hard for him too at times, just like all of us experience growing up.
But it didn't take long for us to realize that there are just so many more positives than challenges. So many things to be thankful for. So many amazing people that we would not have otherwise met.
Like Haylee from Little Hand Big Heart. Haylee and her mom were visiting One Little Fin and read the "Its Not Broken" post about Gavin saying he doesn't like God because He broke his arm.
She made this video for Gavin and it is the sweetest thing she could have done.
MESSAGE FROM HAYLEE.
It means so much to us Haylee! I showed it to Gavin and he sat quietly and listened and smiled. And now he can watch it whenever he feels like it.
What a blessing you are Haylee! Your message is beautiful and so wise! Gavin is lucky to have you as a friend!
January 19, 2012
January 11, 2012
Little hand, Big Heart
Ever since my conversation with Gavin last night when he told me he doesn't like God because he thinks God broke his arm, I have been reflecting a lot about it and feeling sad for how vulnerable my baby is in this big world. I am also overwhelmingly proud and amazed by him. I don't wish to change him, I just wish I could protect him from certain things. But that is exactly the opposite of what he needs me to do. He needs us to continue to empower him and raise him to be a confident, independent person who can take care of himself.
When I got an email from "Little Hand, Big Heart", it was exactly what I needed to remind me that Gavin will be just fine. He will learn to handle uncomfortable situations and stand up for himself. And he will be surrounded by a lot of positive people to help him along the way.
Thank you Haylee for being such a beautiful example and an inspiration. And thank you to Haylee's family for sharing!
Sometimes she does not need to say a word
When I got an email from "Little Hand, Big Heart", it was exactly what I needed to remind me that Gavin will be just fine. He will learn to handle uncomfortable situations and stand up for himself. And he will be surrounded by a lot of positive people to help him along the way.
Thank you Haylee for being such a beautiful example and an inspiration. And thank you to Haylee's family for sharing!
Sometimes she does not need to say a word
January 10, 2012
It's not broken
So today out of nowhere Gavin stuck out his left arm and said, "My arms broken - see??" I immediately disagreed and told him its not but he argued that it IS broken and told me that all the kids say its broken.
I have heard kids say it before but I thought the kids in his class were used to his arm. I didn't expect them to still be pointing it out.
I kept telling him how it's not broken, it's the way it's supposed to be. I said that God made him exactly the way he was supposed to be.
He spread his fingers wide and told me he wants to have another one like this because "this ones broken".
After I talked about his other friends who have a special arm like him and I said all the same stuff I usually do to stress to him that there is nothing wrong with his arm. It's not broken, it's really strong, and it can still do lots of things like hockey, etc. He said OK.
And then he told me, "I don't like God." When I asked him why he said "Because he broke my arm."
January 3, 2012
Protective Mama
My biggest worry with Gavin is how he will deal with the extra challenge of always having to deal with other peoples comments and stares and having to constantly explain why he doesn't have a left hand.
I imagine he will be strong enough to deal with it and that he will be a better person because of it. But it still doesn't make it easier for this protective mama.
Today we were at the library and he saw two kids playing with a truck together. He really wanted to play with them but was too shy to ask so he was just kind of hanging out right beside them. The little boy was about 4 or 5 and I saw the exact moment he noticed Gavin's arm. His jaw dropped and he took a double take and then just sat there with his mouth wide open and STARED hard. Then he pointed it out to the girl he was playing with and then called another kid over to look. Then continued to stare.
I looked at Gavin and saw him pull his coat sleeve down over his arm to hide it.
I have never seen him do that before and it just made me so sad.
I don't blame kids for staring. Of course they are fascinated by it when they have never seen anything like it. I get that. The girl asked me what happened to his arm and I said what I usually do. Then like most kids do, she just stared at me blankly like that wasnt a good enough explanation and then asked "but where's his hand?". I always encourage kids to ask Gavin and let him answer but I also don't want to put him on the spot either. It hurts me to wonder how he feels in those moments. Is he used to it by now already? Or does it make him feel _____? I don't know. I asked him in the car why he pulled his sleeve down and he just said "because i don't like those kids". I just wish I could take his place and that he wouldn't have to deal with it every time he meets someone new for the rest of his life.
But all we can do is try our best to teach him that it's ok (and even cool!) that his arm is different and he can still do anything he wants in life. Right now it's not a big deal but I know there will be hard phases as he becomes older and goes to school without me tagging along as his advocate.
But it doesn't make sense to stress about the future and the unknown. So we just keep taking it one day at a time.
I imagine he will be strong enough to deal with it and that he will be a better person because of it. But it still doesn't make it easier for this protective mama.
Today we were at the library and he saw two kids playing with a truck together. He really wanted to play with them but was too shy to ask so he was just kind of hanging out right beside them. The little boy was about 4 or 5 and I saw the exact moment he noticed Gavin's arm. His jaw dropped and he took a double take and then just sat there with his mouth wide open and STARED hard. Then he pointed it out to the girl he was playing with and then called another kid over to look. Then continued to stare.
I looked at Gavin and saw him pull his coat sleeve down over his arm to hide it.
I have never seen him do that before and it just made me so sad.
I don't blame kids for staring. Of course they are fascinated by it when they have never seen anything like it. I get that. The girl asked me what happened to his arm and I said what I usually do. Then like most kids do, she just stared at me blankly like that wasnt a good enough explanation and then asked "but where's his hand?". I always encourage kids to ask Gavin and let him answer but I also don't want to put him on the spot either. It hurts me to wonder how he feels in those moments. Is he used to it by now already? Or does it make him feel _____? I don't know. I asked him in the car why he pulled his sleeve down and he just said "because i don't like those kids". I just wish I could take his place and that he wouldn't have to deal with it every time he meets someone new for the rest of his life.
But all we can do is try our best to teach him that it's ok (and even cool!) that his arm is different and he can still do anything he wants in life. Right now it's not a big deal but I know there will be hard phases as he becomes older and goes to school without me tagging along as his advocate.
But it doesn't make sense to stress about the future and the unknown. So we just keep taking it one day at a time.
December 12, 2011
Accessibility Toronto
We have another exciting announcement for all our friends in the GTA who happen to have Rogers Cable!
Last year Rogers aired the "filmpossible" documentary which featured many of last year's videos, as well as interviews with some of the participants and judges. It was really cool to see Gavin's video on TV and the episode has aired many times since then, each time bringing a little bit more VISIBILITY TO DISABILITY! It is incredibly inspiring to watch.
Now we are excited to see the airing of Holland Bloorview's episode of Accessibility Toronto on RogersTV tonight at 8pm! We are hoping to catch a glimpse of our little filmpossible stars in action! Holland Bloorview is an incredible facility, which I contribute mostly to the truly amazing staff team. It just has such a positive energy to it, which you can not fully understand unless you have been there and experienced the ongoing support and genuine interest in helping your child reach his or her full potential. So I am looking forward to seeing how it can be summed up in a half hour episode.
"Accessibility Toronto is a series of half hour television programs that focuses on people with disabilities. The goal of this series is to highlight their achievements and accomplishments and provide insightful and inspiring storylines for all viewers.
Community producer, Shannon Fitzpatrick pitched the initial idea and has worked diligently to bring viewers a wide range of compelling profiles and stories celebrating persons with disabilities from across Toronto."
The show appears only on RogersTV, so viewers need to have Rogers cable to receive the show. It will air on Channel 10 in Toronto and 63 in Scarborough - unfortunately subscribers outside the Toronto area will not be able to view the episode, as it only plays in the Toronto market.
They will be sending us a DVD copy of the episode so if you would really like to see it please let me know.
If you miss tonight's episode you can also cath it on Tuesday, December 13 at 1, 9 and 11:30 a.m.
Last year Rogers aired the "filmpossible" documentary which featured many of last year's videos, as well as interviews with some of the participants and judges. It was really cool to see Gavin's video on TV and the episode has aired many times since then, each time bringing a little bit more VISIBILITY TO DISABILITY! It is incredibly inspiring to watch.
Now we are excited to see the airing of Holland Bloorview's episode of Accessibility Toronto on RogersTV tonight at 8pm! We are hoping to catch a glimpse of our little filmpossible stars in action! Holland Bloorview is an incredible facility, which I contribute mostly to the truly amazing staff team. It just has such a positive energy to it, which you can not fully understand unless you have been there and experienced the ongoing support and genuine interest in helping your child reach his or her full potential. So I am looking forward to seeing how it can be summed up in a half hour episode.
"Accessibility Toronto is a series of half hour television programs that focuses on people with disabilities. The goal of this series is to highlight their achievements and accomplishments and provide insightful and inspiring storylines for all viewers.
Community producer, Shannon Fitzpatrick pitched the initial idea and has worked diligently to bring viewers a wide range of compelling profiles and stories celebrating persons with disabilities from across Toronto."
The show appears only on RogersTV, so viewers need to have Rogers cable to receive the show. It will air on Channel 10 in Toronto and 63 in Scarborough - unfortunately subscribers outside the Toronto area will not be able to view the episode, as it only plays in the Toronto market.
They will be sending us a DVD copy of the episode so if you would really like to see it please let me know.
If you miss tonight's episode you can also cath it on Tuesday, December 13 at 1, 9 and 11:30 a.m.
November 30, 2011
Tony Memmel
So we all know you need two hands to play guitar, right?
WRONG!! That was a trick question.
And if you don't believe me, just check out Tony Memmel in action. His songs always make me smile. I like this clip because it shows a great close-up of how he plays. Not only is he extremely talented but he is self-taught!
Since it is snowing right now and tomorrow is December, this festive little song seems fitting.
P.S. I like your jammies Tony!
WRONG!! That was a trick question.
And if you don't believe me, just check out Tony Memmel in action. His songs always make me smile. I like this clip because it shows a great close-up of how he plays. Not only is he extremely talented but he is self-taught!
Since it is snowing right now and tomorrow is December, this festive little song seems fitting.
P.S. I like your jammies Tony!
November 29, 2011
Make it a Lucky Fin Christmas!
Can you believe there is less than a month until Christmas?
This year we are trying to take some of the focus off of Santa and presents and teach Gavin about the real meaning of Christmas. I knew I had failed in that area up until now when he asked me a few weeks ago, "Who's Jesus?" *Hangs head in shame*
We have been reading some books about the story of Christmas and we plan to visit the library today to look for more books and hopefully a movie. There is also a Christmas musical at the church by our house that I plan to take him to.
Since we just moved and have had A LOT of expenses, we won't be doing much in the way of gifts this year. And it actually feels good. Its not about the STUFF. Our focus is on the time we spend with family and friends. And the food. We can't leave out the food!
This year is Eden's first Christmas so that makes it even more special. We have been very blessed this year in so many ways.
This year we have connected with some amazing people who share the passion that I do for advocating for our kids. I have posted before about Molly, mom to her wonderfully-made daughter Ryan, and the founder of the Lucky Fin Project. She has reached out to so many people all over the world and the Lucky Fin Project continues to grow! And now, just in time for Christmas, you can help support the project with a limited edition handmade Lucky Fin Love ornament.
They are very sweet and it seems like the perfect way to celebrate our perfectly made kids! Its a beautiful keepsake and something they could hang with pride on the tree every year. Or even just hang it in a special spot year-round.
These ornaments are available for a donation of $15 each or 3 ornaments for $40 at The Lucky Fin Shop.
This year we are trying to take some of the focus off of Santa and presents and teach Gavin about the real meaning of Christmas. I knew I had failed in that area up until now when he asked me a few weeks ago, "Who's Jesus?" *Hangs head in shame*
We have been reading some books about the story of Christmas and we plan to visit the library today to look for more books and hopefully a movie. There is also a Christmas musical at the church by our house that I plan to take him to.
Since we just moved and have had A LOT of expenses, we won't be doing much in the way of gifts this year. And it actually feels good. Its not about the STUFF. Our focus is on the time we spend with family and friends. And the food. We can't leave out the food!
This year is Eden's first Christmas so that makes it even more special. We have been very blessed this year in so many ways.
This year we have connected with some amazing people who share the passion that I do for advocating for our kids. I have posted before about Molly, mom to her wonderfully-made daughter Ryan, and the founder of the Lucky Fin Project. She has reached out to so many people all over the world and the Lucky Fin Project continues to grow! And now, just in time for Christmas, you can help support the project with a limited edition handmade Lucky Fin Love ornament.
They are very sweet and it seems like the perfect way to celebrate our perfectly made kids! Its a beautiful keepsake and something they could hang with pride on the tree every year. Or even just hang it in a special spot year-round.
These ornaments are available for a donation of $15 each or 3 ornaments for $40 at The Lucky Fin Shop.
November 24, 2011
Filmpossible Fever
Two entries about filmpossible and our little Super Stars in one day??? That's right!
Check out the BLOOM blog to see the post by Louise Kinross.
FILMPOSSIBLE FEVER.
"Left hands are so over-rated!"
I've said it before but I will just say it one more time... This has been such a wonderful experience for Gavin and our family and friends. I know that we really reached out to a lot of people. And it was overwhelming how much support everyone showed. Thank you again to Jen and Annya for sharing your talent with all of us!
Check out the BLOOM blog to see the post by Louise Kinross.
FILMPOSSIBLE FEVER.
"Left hands are so over-rated!"
I've said it before but I will just say it one more time... This has been such a wonderful experience for Gavin and our family and friends. I know that we really reached out to a lot of people. And it was overwhelming how much support everyone showed. Thank you again to Jen and Annya for sharing your talent with all of us!
November 23, 2011
Filmpossible Fete
Last Wednesday was the Filmpossible party at Holland Bloorview and it was a very memorable evening!
The first thing we saw as we entered the party was a table of Holland Bloorview's 2012 Desktop Calendars! It was pretty cool to see Annya's winning photo, "Lucky Fin Love" on the cover! We are sure proud of those adorable little arms wearing their lucky fin bracelets with pride!
It felt oh-so-fancy when we realized there was even a little red carpet and a photographer took Mr Gavin's picture as he entered! He didn't want to smile until he found out there was popcorn! It is such a rough life being a mini celebrity! Ha! He totally rocked his sweater vest that GG knit for him! Thanks GG!
During the awards ceremony they played the clip of Gavin and Gabi's "I Can Be Me!" video and I almost teared up. I just love that little video! Its so awesome :) Jen did a great job and it was so fun being a part of the contest this year!
Here is the "I Can Be Me!" team: Gabi, Jen & Gavin
It was really too bad that Annya wasn't able to make it though, as the first place photography winner! I really wish she could have been there and I know she did too!
They called Gavin & Gabi on stage to accept her award (which meant that Janelle & I had to go up as well because the kids were being all shy). They were both presented with an incredibly soft and cute stuffed animal. They were both being so shy though and didn't even want to take them.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Gavin held out his hand for the microphone when I was asked to say a few words on behalf of Annya. I was not really prepared to say anything so I was glad to hand the mic to Gavin and give him a chance to say something, thus taking the spotlight off of me! At first he just wanted to stand there and hold it but I told him he had to say something. Then he started singing his ABCs in a quiet little voice into the microphone!!!! Ha! I should have known! Of course everyone was just eating it up. I was just glad I didn't have to talk anymore! It was pretty priceless though!
It was such a beautiful feeling to watch the awards and see some of the other winners and participants in person! There were so many wonderful entries and so much VISIBILITY was brought to disability! :)
Soon it was time to wrap up the evening. But it wouldn't be a party without CAKE!!!
Thanks so much to the awesome team at Holland Bloorview for allowing us to have this wonderful experience! It was so nice to finally meet Louise and Kathy and everyone else!
And thanks to all our supportive friends & family who took the time to vote all summer for "I Can Be Me!" and "Lucky Fin Love"!! We love you!
The first thing we saw as we entered the party was a table of Holland Bloorview's 2012 Desktop Calendars! It was pretty cool to see Annya's winning photo, "Lucky Fin Love" on the cover! We are sure proud of those adorable little arms wearing their lucky fin bracelets with pride!
It felt oh-so-fancy when we realized there was even a little red carpet and a photographer took Mr Gavin's picture as he entered! He didn't want to smile until he found out there was popcorn! It is such a rough life being a mini celebrity! Ha! He totally rocked his sweater vest that GG knit for him! Thanks GG!
During the awards ceremony they played the clip of Gavin and Gabi's "I Can Be Me!" video and I almost teared up. I just love that little video! Its so awesome :) Jen did a great job and it was so fun being a part of the contest this year!
Here is the "I Can Be Me!" team: Gabi, Jen & Gavin
It was really too bad that Annya wasn't able to make it though, as the first place photography winner! I really wish she could have been there and I know she did too!
They called Gavin & Gabi on stage to accept her award (which meant that Janelle & I had to go up as well because the kids were being all shy). They were both presented with an incredibly soft and cute stuffed animal. They were both being so shy though and didn't even want to take them.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Gavin held out his hand for the microphone when I was asked to say a few words on behalf of Annya. I was not really prepared to say anything so I was glad to hand the mic to Gavin and give him a chance to say something, thus taking the spotlight off of me! At first he just wanted to stand there and hold it but I told him he had to say something. Then he started singing his ABCs in a quiet little voice into the microphone!!!! Ha! I should have known! Of course everyone was just eating it up. I was just glad I didn't have to talk anymore! It was pretty priceless though!
It was such a beautiful feeling to watch the awards and see some of the other winners and participants in person! There were so many wonderful entries and so much VISIBILITY was brought to disability! :)
Soon it was time to wrap up the evening. But it wouldn't be a party without CAKE!!!
Thanks so much to the awesome team at Holland Bloorview for allowing us to have this wonderful experience! It was so nice to finally meet Louise and Kathy and everyone else!
And thanks to all our supportive friends & family who took the time to vote all summer for "I Can Be Me!" and "Lucky Fin Love"!! We love you!
Janelle's BLOOM clip
I feel bad that I haven't been posting here very often. I keep meaning to but it is just hard to find the time lately!
Would you like to hear a long list of excuses or should I just skip right to the post?
We have lots of pictures and news to share!
First I want to share a link to the BLOOM blog where you can find lots of great video clips and resources from other parents.
Janelle (Miss Gabrielle's awesome mom) talks to Louise and shares some advice about dealing with questions and stares from other people and the importance of staying positive! I am so proud of Janelle because I just LOVE her answers and advice and I know how helpful it could be to new parents. Listening to this interview when I was pregnant with Gavin and dealing with the shock of finding out about his limb difference would have made a world of difference to me.
TALKING ABOUT LIMB DIFFERENCE
So I just want to make a shout out to my friend Janelle! You rock! We are SO blessed to have such awesome kids and to have each other too!
(I will be back soon with an update about the Filmpossible Fete!!)
Would you like to hear a long list of excuses or should I just skip right to the post?
We have lots of pictures and news to share!
First I want to share a link to the BLOOM blog where you can find lots of great video clips and resources from other parents.
Janelle (Miss Gabrielle's awesome mom) talks to Louise and shares some advice about dealing with questions and stares from other people and the importance of staying positive! I am so proud of Janelle because I just LOVE her answers and advice and I know how helpful it could be to new parents. Listening to this interview when I was pregnant with Gavin and dealing with the shock of finding out about his limb difference would have made a world of difference to me.
TALKING ABOUT LIMB DIFFERENCE
So I just want to make a shout out to my friend Janelle! You rock! We are SO blessed to have such awesome kids and to have each other too!
(I will be back soon with an update about the Filmpossible Fete!!)
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