• Home
• PhotoLife
• Link List
• Designs by LissaKay
• Keywords
• LissaKay, Too
• In Stitches
• Contact

Hoop Dreams

This ... is ... awesome. And if you don't need a tissue by the end of the video (click the pic), you don't have a heart.

"This is the first moment Jason has ever succeeded (and could be) proud of himself. I look at autism as the Berlin Wall, and he cracked it." - Jason McElwain's mother, Debbie McElwain

Probably 90% of the those who view this video do not fully understand what this truly means for this boy and his family. For children with issues as big as autism, every day, every hour, every minute is a challenge. Every accomplishment, every success, every step forward is a great achievement. I listen to other parents, who's children are "normal" ... they beam when talking about Honors status, valedectorian, scholarships, athletic victories, amazing feats their kids have done. People with kids like Jason, my son, Cathy and Doug's Tommy, Michelle's Dakota ... we celebrate a "good" day, one without a meltdown, bizarre behavior in the grocery store, defiance, mania, rage. We celebrate when they do something that "normal" kids do everyday.

Another challenge we face is the stigma ... kids can be cruel. Horribly, terribly cruel. Anyone who is seen as different is usually treated horribly, especially in high school. Seeing the outpouring of celebration, excitement, support, encouragement and love from the other kids for Jason ... that reduced me to a blubbering mess of tears. That is what made this event super special for Jason.

God bless you, J-Mac ... and your family, your friends, your team and your school.


Update:
There is a follow up video too

Google Video appears to be down right now ... the links just go to the regular Google search page. The story and video are currently at CBSNews.com, but may not be there very long.

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.

« Back to main