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

Do you meet people for a reason? Discovery Museum Saga #2

 Last night we had a “Especially for Me” event in Discovery museum. I have written about that event earlier so will not repeat the details. But this time it was bigger and better in so many ways. 27 familes came to the museum and for the first time in my life I saw so many Desi families with special need children under one roof in that kind of a setting. I have been to so many of these events and come across very few Indian families who attend them but last night I was pleasantly surprised by their attendance. Smiling, laughing and happy moms , dads connecting and children having a great time- it was a wonderful sight.

A dear friend connected me to the director of the museum a few years ago. I was invited for the museum’s gala and we thought of collaborating. I got busy expanding the group and then the Pandemic happened. A few months ago an email from them again pulled me in that direction. Their director of community partnership responded to my email and now it’s history how our first conversation was the impetus for this event to happen. 

She is from India so she understood our cultural needs and went above and beyond to make it an experience for our families.

I really marvel at these coincidences when you connect with people whom you never knew and before you know it their presence in your life makes it wonderful.

An uncanny connection - I was ironing my saree and somehow I thought of calling a friend from my Saree group who lives in that town, next to the museum and while talking she mentioned that her dear friend works in the museum. I knew instantly we both were thinking of the same person. Not too many Indians work in museums. With all the happy memories from last night and witnessing shock and pleasure at seeing our mutual friend with me at the museum will stay in my mind and heart for a long time. 

#Gratitude in my heart.

Wonderful Ms Community Partnership Director 

The amazing Staff  

the 3 friends :)

Koyalagudem- a Village of love - A happy place

 My India trip was planned for 3 things, Diwali and Mr Husband’s birthday with family, a Jagjit Singh tribute program in Surat and a trip to meet Chandana.

I planned it in such a way that I would do my things first ( JS Tribute concert, visit Chandana and do my shopping) and then will become a daughter in law once Mr Husband arrives. My brother in law’s (Husband’s older brother) sudden death scrambled everything. I cancelled my Surat plan ( I was part of the core group and was so looking forward to seeing the rest of the team in person, more on my mental state on that decision later), but a very quick and short trip to meet Chandana was replanned. I was introduced to Chandana in July of  2020 and soon she made a place in my heart and life, a 19 year old girl taking care of her father’s legacy, she soon became a constant fixture in my life. I helped her grow, learn, supported her in any way I could. She was so looking forward to meeting me and so was I.  My BIL’s untimely and sudden death shook everyone. This visit was much needed for me as well. I had 48 hours in Hyderabad, the village is 60 KM from the airport , a sum of 22 hours for Chandana including drives.

She was at the airport to pick me up, we drove an hour to reach her home, her mother was ready with a feast, she couldn’t “talk” to me as she only spoke Telugu but we spoke a lot to each other, the language of love is very powerful. As soon as the rain stopped Chandana took me on a village tour and it dawned on me that whatever I did with my friends for her, it not only supported her, it also helped so many households in that village. It was like a chain reaction or an assembly line. I wore a dress woven in that village -that’s what I thought but it was someone who took care of the yarn, colored it, processed it and then it went on the loom for weaving. People treated me with love and respect, I was given the royal treatment even though I was the only woman not in a saree. In a village of 3350 people ( as of Wiki, 2001 census) I was the center for everyone that night.  The houses I visited, the people I met, most of them couldn’t talk to me as I didn’t understand their language but they spoke to me with their touch, hugs and eyes. I saw the lack of resources and money but found an abundance of love and gratitude.

That night I danced with the kids and the adults equally during their pooja and that will remain one of my lifetime memories. 

That trip prepared me for the next day to see my nieces and co-sister in a strange way. I was pumped with positivity and appreciation so I could support, transfer my energy and love to my nieces, I received lot of love so I could share the same with them.

I slept and ate on the floor, used indian style toilet and shower, walked in the muddy roads, didn’t worry about bugs or hygiene or cleanliness,  something I wouldn’t do in general but for every minute I was there, I felt I was in the right place with my people that I belonged . Do you feel you belong where you are? 

The Biryani was waiting for me 

Vishal, her 12 yrs old brother, such a happy kid, was so ready to do anything Jaya Auntie asks for.

Chandana’s  mom 

Off to a ride - she took me to a temple in a neighboring village. I was afraid of pot holes, water, mud and what not but enjoyed the ride regardless

Devalamma Temple

And then the village darshan started 

I needed to sit and feel 

This mom said so many things I didnt understand but her smile was enough, she said Dishti and touched my head . All I felt was the love 

Jaya in Red yarn house and then off to Blue yarn house. 

The man who designed this Natural dye cotton saree - It was his First creation and years later I wore that. How grateful he was to see me and my picture in the saree. 

I wore this dress not knowing I will meet the man who did Tye and Dye for this piece. His smile said it all 

His whole family including grand children were so excited, I should have taken more pictures. 

Pradhan of the village, He wanted a pic and Later he sent something on his What's app group mentioning a foreigner wearing Ikat and Dancing - Chandana had a blast reading that msg in Telugu 

More on these pics in my next post 

One from her collection