Sharing “I CAN!” Attitudes: Benjamin & Keiondre
by
PSN Team 
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Happy Feet!
Attached is a picture of my son, Benjamin, who is 4 years old. This picture was taken over the summer. It holds so much meaning for us that I felt compelled to share it with our special needs parenting community.
Ben’s main diagnosis is CP. He has always worked very hard for everything he has; it had taken him nearly 2 years to learn to just sit up on his own. Ben had just begun to use his gait trainer at the beginning of the summer. We practiced walking every day, even though on some days Ben complained about doing it. He is always happy and proud once he realizes he is moving himself independently. On the day this picture was taken, it was the end of the summer, and it was the first time we had taken the ankle straps off of his gait trainer. He was SO pleased that he was moving his feet himself without ANY assistance on his feet! He kept looking
down at his feet, and when he finally looked up, that’s when this picture was taken, with the BIGGEST smile on his face!
Benjamin exhibiting an “I CAN” attitude Photo courtesy Jennifer Adams
We are filled with love, pride, and gratitude that God has blessed us with Ben. The joy in his eyes in this picture is just one testament to the amazing power of love and acceptance that empowers us all to just keep moving.
~ Jennifer Adams (Proud Mom)
Tying it up!
Keiondre (Dre) is 13 and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. His pediatrician had doubts about Keiondre ever being able to talk and do things independently. He proved all doubters wrong. We had been trying since he was 6 to tie his shoes.
Keiondre (Dre) exhibiting an “I CAN” attitude Photo courtesy Lativia Merchant
He had trouble with coordination so we used the twist laces. We never gave up. Now that he is older and understands much more, it became fairly easy to tie with the help of occupational therapy. He is so happy and loves to show it off.
~ Lativia Merchant (Proud Mom)
Share a Proud Moment with us Next Issue! Proud Moments can be any time that you have been extremely proud of your child with special needs. It can be when they are giving it their all or reaching a milestone. You may feel you can only share your excitement or enthusiasm with someone that will really understand. We understand. [email protected]
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- How to Set Clear Goals and Plan Naturally
- Let’s Talk Inclusion
- Help Motivate Your Kids With This Powerful Tool!
- Setting and Achieving High Expectations
- Celebrities with Disabilities that Turned their Dreams into Attainable Goals
This post originally appeared on our January/February 2014 Magazine
