Planning, organizing and hosting an event is fun and exhausting. When families like ours get involved one cannot predict what will work and not. One size doesn’t fit all in Special Needs world. So trying to plan and execute something with many possible scenarios and age groups needs a powerful and diverse team. I was very fortunate that some of the moms from the Desi Moms Network took that plunge.
After our Dilwai party the group was excited and wanted to include more families.
After many calls to find a suitable and economical venue, with a simple menu and ideas about this holiday party finally the day was here. The families started arriving on a windy breezy sunny Sunday. 29 families came together to celebrate and experience joy and happiness.
What happened that day is another story, two guests and 5 families couldn’t make it, speakers and mic didn’t cooperate , introduction sessions didn’t work well because of the mic failure but by the end of the day all I can remember is a girl and her sibling singing a song, families building connections, meeting in person to thank some incredible people who helped them through phone and zoom calls, telling younger families about their journey and how having a village helps in general for the whole family.
But the best sight was kids having fun with Santa, they got presents, sang and danced with Santa. A dad from the group dressed as Santa and he played his part every well. He answered all their questions, made them promise good behavior and really made them feel Special.
The families worked together to clean the area and wrap up the leftovers. It was only 3 hours of our day but that time will remain special for the families.
I do want to go back to my original model of empowering Moms and building a community for them but this event encourages me to do the family event once in a while. Stay tuned for the next one. Why don’t you join us and support us in our journey, you too are a part of our village..
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