Thoughts
Riley Brown
Dear Ace, TJ & Crew,
As I listen to you this week, I feel so privileged to have gotten to know each of these very special families. I am in tears as I hear each parent, each story. These children are so very precious and special. With each parent saying that they “feel Normal”- I totally get it! I have been feeling the same way. I felt like one big family and I didn’t feel bad if Riley laughed or clapped or was loud, they understood. I have met many special families and I am so thankful you have given us this opportunity to form a bond and memories that we will never forget. While on the trip, waiting for a ride, Riley was being very impatient and anxious… he got loud and I had a grown lady tell him to be quiet. My heart was broken… how could someone do that? Yes, my child LOOKS normal, he can walk, he isn’t wheelchair bound – but he has special needs and is a “Limited edition” We get so many of these remarks and stares all the time. Its so frustrating because as the other parents have said, it is mostly adults. I did have a sweet lady come up to us while eating breakfast at the hotel who told me that she was so happy to see us being out and about with him instead of keeping him sheltered because of his disability. With yall, you made our children feel like they were prince and princesses. You looked beyond their medical conditions and you saw the child that we saw. You loved them with open arms and I can never thank you enough for making Riley feel so very special and loved by you all. I also want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to open my eyes farther. I often get frustrated with Riley running off, or being loud. Sometimes I wish he would stop “making a mess”… as I spoke with Tanners family, my heart began to hurt. The greatest joy for them was his first ride ever!! I take for granted some of the things Riley does… Some of the things that some of these grin kids will never be able to do like riding a power wheels, or running into the ocean, or just getting dirty from playing in the mud. Thanks so much for giving us this awesome time of our lives and for making it so very special to my family. Ace, just a simple gesture from you made my heart smile so big. While getting off the plane in Charlotte, Riley was being cranky- Ace took his hand and began singing his favorite song, “ you are my sunshine” You will never know how much that simple gesture means to me. You guys are amazing and we will never forget this special time of our lives. Ace, TJ, Pete, Breeze, Riggins, Barb and the whole entire crew will forever hold a special place in our hearts!!!
Ashley England
Riley Browns mom
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