Day 12 of 365 Days of Me:

I woke up early this morning because my pull-up was wet, and I needed a new one. Once my mom changed me, I crawled back into bed and went back to sleep. I slept until about 10:30 A.M. Once I was awake, I needed a bath, so my dad helped me into the bathtub. Once I was all clean, my mom helped me get dressed and brushed my hair. I knew we were going somewhere but I didn’t know where. I ate a little and the took my mom by the hand and walked toward the garage. My mom opened the door and I walked to the car. Once she helped me into my seat and seatbelt, she helped me with my shoes. I was ready but not ready. I was still feeling sleepy. My eyes felt heavy, so I kept closing them. Once my mom and dad got into the car, we were on our way to somewhere.

I really don’t know what to expect most of the time. My mom tries to help me understand but unless it is something that is a part of my routine, I don’t understand. Once we reached our destination, my dad found a parking space and I began to cry. My mom tried to get me out of the car, but I didn’t want to get out. I just kept crying. I thought I was going to the doctor. After a few minutes, I finally got out and sat in my wheelchair. It was sunny and cool outside. I liked the way the wind felt so I settled down a bit. After a short while, we entered a house-like building. Then I saw my friend, Rick Guidotti! He said “hello” to me and gave me several hugs and kisses. I love Rick. My mom and dad love Rick too. His smile and positive attitude are infectious. Plus, he’s incredibly talented and an amazing photographer. I am so very lucky that he is my friend.

Rick shot some photos of me and had my mom and dad share information about me, so they could help others learn more about individuals with intellectual disabilities. My mom says she forgot to mention that while most parents spend their time preparing their children for the world, she and my dad have been working to prepare the world for me (and others with intellectual and developmental disabilities). My mom believes kids like me deserve dignity and respect. We deserve to be accepted, embraced, empowered and included in this world. We still have a long way to go, but because of people like Rick, we are given a platform and a voice that can truly be shared with the world. For this, my mom and dad are grateful.

In summary, I was cranky during my visit with Rick today, but he didn’t mind. My mom knows it was because I was still feeling tired from a lack of sleep. She says she feels tired too, but we couldn’t miss seeing Rick while he was in town!

I’ve never been to New York. I hope we can go to New York to visit Rick sometime this year.