Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Abundance

I knew I had to share these as my holiday wishes to you all. But I had a few false starts on my written intro (which, you predicted correctly, would have been
l--o--n--g). I opt to just paste in one of the love notes I've sent out with this video in the past week. Other notes went to other teachers, some to the kids who surrounded Addie and lent a respectful, warm hand in friendship. This note of thanks went to the gym, art and music teachers who produce the show, but who also were named when I asked afterwards who was accountable for ensuring Addie reached to high expectations for this event.

Each grade celebrated a different holiday tradition from around the world. First grade did Hanukkah. Enjoy the videos and a bit about her dance partner at the end.

Miss S, Mrs. M and Mrs. R -

The Festival of Lights was just spectacular. I loved every second of it (particularly the 4th grade - and as the mother of a 6th grader, I've been to a few of these shindigs before Addie), though I would not be qualified to write a review since I only had eyes for one lady in turquoise and braids during the 1st grade part. I was floored by how well that particular lady did throughout the entire thing, how I never saw another adult standing sentry over her, how her friends encouraged her along and mostly - how she seemed to thoroughly adore participating in the whole thing. Though I had a few clues earlier in the week, I asked Lynn who applied their creativity to help Addie be the best Addie for the show. And she named the 3 of you.

Thank you so much for this gift. I know you all devote energy to the entire beautiful production, but I also know it took a little extra energy to get my blondie to not only engage in it, but love it. I have watched the video probably 40 times since last Friday and I still get a little emotional every time.

I think I understand you'll have to forward this to your home email address to view the video (youtube blocked from school?), but I hope you can watch and feel proud. I hope you can imagine the ripple effect on Addie's traction in the school community and beyond.

Attaching the final run through and the am performance here. They both have their varied surprises in them (like the obviously bored partner-less kid in the striped shirt in the 2nd one - cracks me up), so I send them both.

Happy, peaceful, joyful holidays to you. And thank you for all you do.

Cheers,
Terri and Addie's whole family


Rehearsal:


Morning Performance:


Addie's dear friend and dance partner is none other than Carl. Carl has been mentioned many times here on FJC, most recently here: Signs.
Doubt not - his mother got an immediate and straight-up gushy note of cheers about how he consistently shares his joy of life with his friend Addie. Within Carl's mom's gracious response she shared his explanation on why he was glad to be matched with his old pal for the dance: "she likes a lot of the stuff I like, even though she's a girl."

6 comments:

Anxious AF said...

Well, my heart is filled up for many reasons after seeing this. Inclusion, Carl, Addie clearly enjoying every bit of it, the smile she gave Carl, and knowing what you felt inside. Now I need to go blow my nose.

Kerri H said...

I can only imagine what you are thinking! So amazing to see for us moms w/younger ones! Great job Addie and Carl! I loved it! Thanks for sharing this!

Cindy said...

Thanks for sharing Terri! I could totally see Natalie in Addie: looking in the opposite direction, doing the opposite thing of everyone else in rehearsal, many of her mannerisms, but getting it down for the performance. Addie did so great and Carl was a fine escort. Beautiful!

Kelly said...

How wonderful! AnnaKate crawled in my lasp for the video and clapped for her friend Addie. We are all so proud here!!

KElly W.

Bethany said...

That was awesome!! That is what inclusion is about, and Addie was a rockstar!! I love how she was totally into it and clearly enjoying it and being a member of the dance. Just as things should be! Her dance partner Carl is an amazing young man!

Anonymous said...

I'm a little late on my comment but wow.I'm just so proud of your girl.. it has filled up my heart as well. As I was watching Addie so much hope for Noah filled my heart. I already have hope always but this just gives me so much more. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience for Addie and your whole family.