“An artist”
This was the answer to the question, what do you want to be when you grow up, posed to Elizabeth many years ago.
I remember the person who asked it saying something like “That is great.”
If I am being honest, at the time we were so knee deep in her therapies, work at home, social skills as well as advocating for her with the school, that I know I had the thought that that was a nice goal, maybe it would help her fine motor skills, but seriously, we need to do so many other functional things first.
Yes, I looked at it solely as therapy. Probably because I was working from the space that was focusing on goals, and what needed done.
Elizabeth is my beautiful daughter with global dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder ( SPD). Both of her disorders affect her life each and every day. At this time I am speaking of, her sensory issues were so great and they impacted her life, learning and any and all social situations. So thinking about her being an artist just did not sway me when the other things we needed to do were STARING US IN THE EYE.
Suffice it to say, we did the necessary work while she was in elementary and middle school…
Each day.
Each week.
Each year.
“An artist”
Again, her answer to what she wanted to be when asked as she entered high school. She also indicated other areas she likes which we have been growing with internships and experiences since. But she wanted to take an art class in high school which turned into 2 which turned into a gold medal for her artwork in the school’s art show.
We were so proud.
She then go immersed in her college program and art took a back seat. She continued to work on her internship and goals for her life but no art.
Until a new friend, actually a famous artist himself, said after I showed him some pictures on my phone of her work: “She has a gift, Michele. You need to grow it.”
I asked her again if she wanted to take art lessons.
To which she said “I would love to.”
We hunted around and found a wonderful teacher. To give Elizabeth one-on-one attention because with her disorders, she needs to be understood as well as have that attention.
She loved it and currently takes one lesson a week.
Last week her artwork earned $300.00 for The Walnut Grove, which is the all-inclusive playground in our area.
She was the featured artist.
She was so proud of herself and we were probably more so.
She became the artist she wanted to be so many years ago.
I know many professionals tell us to pick a path for our children but I have always countered with, why do I pick her path when she is the one who has to do it and I want her to love what she does.
Just like everyone else gets to.
She is still working on her internships and finding her path, but I can tell you she became what she wanted to be.
“An artist”
Our special children are amazing.
I wish everyone a peaceful week.
Michele Gianetti author of:
I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey
Elizabeth Believes In Herself: The Special Journey Continues
Special Needs Essentials Blog 