Smiles, care, and a Red Wristband : A Day of Belonging Canobie Lake park

Sometimes, something feels unthinkable. Someone dreams, someone wishes, and someone decides to make it happen. People come together and support the idea — and before you know it, it becomes a reality.

An amusement park usually means thrill, screams, crowds, long lines, chaos, and noise — exactly the kind of environment most of our children struggle with.

We were exploring outdoor activity options, and Canobie Lake Park came up. Many families wanted to try, though they were nervous to go alone. But once we decided to go as a group, everything began to fall into place. A few phone calls and emails later, the park team offered us discounted tickets, red wristbands so kids wouldn’t have to wait in long lines, and even the flexibility to bring our own food. They were incredibly accommodating.

Finally, the date was set: August 3rd Sunday

Even that morning, I wasn’t sure how many would actually show up.

But for the first time, no one dropped out last minute — in fact, two families joined at the last moment. Maybe the excitement gave them courage to take the leap.

In total, 29 families came together, around110 people including grandparents and had a beautiful day at the park. There were so many moments of friendship, support, and care. And yes, I’m sure there were moments of meltdowns and chaos too — but those are part of our everyday lives anyway.

Some of our kids went on the rides over and over again. Some never set foot on one — but they walked around and took it all in.

Some spent hours in the waterpark. Others just sat nearby and watched. One grown child explored the whole park on his own, while his mom enjoyed her ice cream — comforted by the fact that she’s not alone on this journey. She has her village.

I’m just so happy our children got a day to enjoy — like everyone else.

I'll write more soon — the good, the bad, and the messy. But for now, I want to stay in this moment of happy smiles, deep gratitude, and the quiet joy of accomplishment. 

The woman, their Guest Service manager who made this possible. 

The first set of family pics, Kids were not ready to wait. Lesson learnt. Dont dream about group pics in amusement park 

The bathroom had the supplies for women 

My Fav ride at the park

A cotton silk for a photoshoot for an inclusive show

#InclusionMatters

#AutismCommunity

#SpecialNeedsParenting

#VillageSupport

#NeurodivergentJoy

#EveryChildBelongs

#FamilyDayOut

#MeltdownsAndMagic

#RealLifeRealLove

#ParentingJourney

#TogetherWeThrive

#OurKindOfDay

When over 50 women (yes age and number both) hangout together for a weekend !

 What would you expect when over 50 women (yes, both in age and number) hang out together for a weekend? Fun, laughter, games, drinks, dance, food, gossips, conversations, and a few more drinks :)

In a Facebook group of women (age - 50 and beyond), someone came up with the idea of a weekend getaway. You may not think so, but for me, it was a big deal. I know how hard it is to plan even a dinner in the city with a few girlfriends; a weekend away just seemed impossible.

I am sure it must be a lot of work for the few who organized it, but for the rest of us, it was easy: call the hotel, book the room asking for a group rate, post in the group for a roommate, and go. I didn't know people in the group except for a couple, but Ogunquit is one of my most favorite places. Watching the sunrise on that beach was on my wish list, and this was a perfect opportunity.

I drove on a beautiful sunny Friday to Maine. My room was ocean-facing (sideways). I met a few of the women, and I felt very out of place; they all knew each other from various events. Soon things changed as I went for a walk with three other women on the beach. By dinner time, at least I knew a couple of women.

The next morning, I was at the beach for the sunrise. I still cannot believe that in the cold of February, I got to see two beautiful sunrises in Maine with temperatures in the 40s. By breakfast, I was quite comfortable being there. And then the day just turned around in such a big way; for the next 24 hours, I was in the company of some amazing women. We all walked, talked, ate, drank, played board games, sat by the fire indoors and outdoors, hung out in the hot tub, roamed around town, went to restaurants, had some drinks, and stayed up until midnight chatting. In the middle of all these activities, I went for a drive for beach hopping, drove on the coastline, walked on multiple beaches, ate some lobster, and came back again to join the fun club.

The next morning, after breakfast, we bid goodbyes with the promise to meet again. I so wish I could write about all the stuff that happened in between, but whatever happens in Maine stays in Maine. Until we meet again.

A beautiful cotton saree for Saturday morning breakfast. The color matched with the water so perfectly. 

The first pic on the road to Ogunquit.I left the highway and drove on Rt 1A  

The Sunset on Ogunquit beach. Sun was setting on the other side not on the water but sky was equally beautiful 

and there it was - The sun rising the next morning , View from my room

 then I quickly went to Ogunquit beach a 3 minutes drive 

After the breakfast and saree pics I drove on Ocean Avenue on route to Wells Reserves, 

Another beach in Wells. I think it was Moody Beach

Wells Beach 

Somewhere in Wells

Kennebunk beach 

Somewhere in Kennebunk port

Goonch Beach Kennebunk 

Temperature was in early 40s but it didnt stop them 

I was not the only one having fun

One of my fav place - Maine Diner 

and then it was time for sunset    

and the party began right after 

 The next morning - Went to different direction this time 

Until we meet again 

This was Friday What difference the two days made 

ON my way back I again drove along the coast -Perkins Cove, Ogunquit

NUBBLE LIGHT / SOHIER PARK, Sohier Park Rd, York

Somewhere between Lighthouse and York beach

York Beach, York