Children with ashberger syndrome, autism, and varied other special needs have been a part of my wife's daily life since she and I were wed in 1971. In that year she graduated with a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education. For thirty years she taught these children until becoming seriously ill five years ago. After 5 years of being completely disabled and now recovered, she has returned to the classroom and is about to forfeit her $1000 monthly disability payments as she completes her first year teaching again.

It seems like yesterday, I was doing everything around the house in care for her. Chronic fatigue syndrome and its kissing cousin fibromyalgia had reduced her to a state of being completely bedridden. I lifted her out of bed and to the toilet.



Now at the completion of her first year of teaching special needs kids again, she had her special needs youth perform "Peter Pan". In the picture above and below, you look upon Nikah who is the daughter of a OBGYN. The primary care giver to Nikah, her stay at home father, passed two months ago. This special multi-evening performance received high reviews given the challenge of the perfomance for these youth.

Nika performed as Tinkerbell.


Of special note to me was the refrain sung by the entire cast, "...I will never grow up, never grow up, never grow up, No Not Me..." In an absolute sense, so many of these sweet souls WILL remain as children.

All pictures were taken by Gecko during the performance and parental permission was given for their display.



Above is Gilbert. He is a high functioning autistic 11th grade student. He plays the Uke by ear, makes three dimentional cars. buses, trucks and airplanes out of printing paper and wide clear tape. He has earned several state awards where he competed with nonspecial needs children. In the play, he was the father, a pirate, and a lost boy. My wife claims he is a delightful, very verbal young man who will find a place in society where he will be independent. He can tell you what day your birthday is on in a matter of seconds. As a matter of fact, he can give you the day connected with any date.



Heather who plays Nana the dog is a Down Syndrome 10th grade girl. Her speaking part was to bark on command. She is always pleasant and lovable, showing compassion to even the most difficult child. She loved being Nana. Heather is an important member of her family and feels very loved and accepted.

And on another note, I hope you had a wonderful birthday Blue Moon.