Memories to capture.

Max has been swimming two hours everyday, besides Sunday. A couple of weeks ago a wonderful friend from our church came down to Evo Swim School to take pictures of Max. He did a fantastic job. I love the pictures. Thank you Ted Morgan you are amazing and so is your wife.

Here are a few of the pictures. 

Max is a Eagle Scout !!!

Max at his Eagle board of review on March 22, 2018

Max got mail! I wonder what is inside.

Max reading his letter from Boys Scout of America

Max got his Eagle. He was so happy. 

Max's High school made a Tribute video for Max.

https://youtu.be/JCfVV8BD90k

Max's amazing special needs teacher put a video together for Max.
(She is at the end of the video on the right side of the video.)

I cried while I watched it.
Max's teacher always goes the extra mile to help
Max and other students succeed. 

The twin boys that interview Max in the video also have autism.

They have become good friends with Max. 

It warms my heart to see Max recognized by others.

Even though he has never been student body president or homecoming King.
He is still a valuable human being who has great potential. 

My goal is to always help him to see the good he has to offer and can achieve. 

Autism makes the road feel like a washboard,

but it can bring a different perspective to the ride.  

Max is practicing!

Max has been swimming four to five times a week practicing for

USA Special Olympics Games 2018. 

Reality

Listening to a group of teenagers who are Max’s age have a conversation on their jobs, driving, dating, putting papers in to serve a mission and college forces me to face reality. Reality that Max may never drive, have a regular full-time job, attend college or serve a mission like his brothers did.

My tears came as I heard their plans. Max’s plan is to learn to live independently. To be able to wash his own clothes, know how to get home from a mile away from our home, learn to cook and be able to relay complete instructions or directions to another person. So much goes into helping him be able to be independent. My goal as his mother is to help him achieve what he feels is important.

What is important to Max is someday having a family and a job that will support his family.

I hope his goal can be reached.

I am blessed to have Max in my life. Why you ask? Because he has grounded me into realizing what really matters. Why we need to be humble, loving, and accepting of others.  We need to stop judging and focusing on other’s faults. Instead we need to see that what is important is being a Christ like example.

I need to continue to be a support to Max and help him be the best he can be. I need to help him see that not everyone is kind, loving and helpful. Through his eyes he doesn’t see the mean, horrible side of people, he only sees the beauty of others.

Max had a swim meet on March 2 for the Rio Swim team. He was so thrilled to meet

Melissa Belote Ripley, who is an American former competition swimmer,

three-time Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in two events.

She represented the United States at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.

Melissa Belote Ripley and Max at Evo Swim 

After his swim meet on Friday night Max had his swim practice with his 

Arizona Special Olympic Swim team Saturday morning.

The Arizona Special Olympics swim team are working hard

for the USA Games 2018, in Seattle this coming July. 

Max is learning the value of eating healthy and exercising. 

Fiesta Bowl Parade

Max walked in the Fiesta Bowl Parade with the Arizona Special Olympics Team and he loved it.

Max is the one wearing the red gloves. 

What an experience it was for Max to be in the parade.