Alternative Birthday Celebration Ideas

[crysopac]

Ok so we know that Racheals birthday is coming up very soon. Besides the fact that we have no money, we have another problem. She is turning 5 and we always do birthday number 5 at chuckie cheese. She really wants to go. But going thru the tubes is way to much for her. It will start pain and I really dont want to do that to her. Any other ideas? Any thing else I could do? Thanks.

Crystalina

[RStapler]

Have you asked Rae if she is up to it? We TN'ers get left out a lot because people just assume we're not up to it, aren't interested because of our condition, or are in no condition to judge. To a large extent, that is our own fault for drumming it into others how much TN limits us. Yet, that doesn't mean we want others to define our limitations. Those of us who are adults manage to do our jobs, tend children and invalids, do physical labor, play games, go on outings, go outdoors, rise to challenges, take on jobs others won't touch, &c. We may take special precautions, do it differently, struggle to get it done, and limit our activities, but that doesn't mean we want to miss out.

Rae will know if it is too much and how much she can participate. I know she is only five, but she is already a TN veteran. Take her to Chuckie Cheese for lunch (just family) to help her see what it would be like before she decides. Make sure you have a high ratio of adults at the party who understand Rae's situation and will help out should things get out of hand, but don't make her condition a reason for ruling out whole categories of things she'd like to do. Also, don't invite kids you know to be extreme in their behaviors. Most kids are pretty sympathetic and will be careful around Rae given they know the rules. Worst case is Rae gets a little roughed up unintentionally. All kids risk getting roughed up some and soon learn their own limits. Rae's limits are outside the norm, but they are still just limits.

A corollary to this would be: come up with several ideas, some she can easily handle and some a bit challenging, and let her pick.

What's the difference between a handicap and a cripple? Ans: The cripple knows it. Rae understands she has a limitation, but it is very easy to fall into a mindset that our limitations necessarily limit our capabilities. This is something we all need to fight against. Teach Rae she need not be limited by her handicap any more than her own strength of character determines.

Bob S

PS Happy Birthday, Rachael. I hope you get lots of great stuff. All I can give you is a big hug and hope your Birthday is painless. Have fun.

[jaztsd]

There's nothing I can add to Bob's great advice except for a big, HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAE!!!!

Love,
Jan