This recent holiday season was looking like it would shape up to be no different than any other. With 3 small boys, two of whom have birthdays on either side of Christmas, we get caught up in our busy lives, leave our best intentions behind and just buy the things that will dazzle their eyes on Christmas morning and fade from their memory by New Year's Eve. This year, however, Santa (aka: my husband, Dave) had a surprise waiting for all of us (even me) when we opened our stockings.
If you know me, you know that I have a son with Autism. His name is Caellum, and he is 7 years old, but he could not tell you either of those things. He does speak, but, it's more in grunts and commands like "Milk!" and "My turn!". Life has not been easy for my sweet boy. Born 5 weeks early with a congenital heart defect, Caellum has always struggled just to survive. He has undergone heart and brain surgery, among others. He has been on oxygen and feeding tubes, and persevered through physical and occupational therapy since he was an infant. He was 2 1/2 years old the first time he walked independently. To this day, he still can't jump.
For Caellum's 5th birthday, we took him on a 1-hour trail ride in Prince Edward County on a horse named Jack. He grinned ear-to-ear and giggled the entire time he was bouncing on Jack's back, and for a long time after. It was late one night in December, when Dave remembered that particular birthday and the smile on Caellum's face. That's when he decided to take a chance and see if there was someone out there who could make this the best Christmas ever. He posted an ad on Kijiji that night and went to bed.
On Christmas morning, the tree was resplendently shining on a pile of toys, games and stockings. It appeared that it would be yet another year where we had intended to be thoughtful, but instead fell for the shiny plastic baubles that are too easy to pop into the cart on a quick trip to the local big box store. But this year was different. In Caellum's stocking there was a special note from Santa himself! Caellum has been invited to visit and befriend a beautiful old mare called 'Saskatoon'! She lives on a horse farm just west of Cochrane with her owner, Laurel. Laurel is soon to be certified in Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL). She has chosen Caellum to be the first of many children she hopes will benefit from the joy and freedom that come from riding and caring for horses. This past Saturday was the first time that Caellum and his brothers got to ride Saskatoon. I had to share some photos from this amazing experience that I hope will be the gift that never stops giving. Although this was a gift given to Caellum, it is one that benefits all members of our family. We can't thank Laurel enough for this opportunity, and I have to give my husband credit for coming up with the most thoughtful gift of all time.
Sure Caellum is 7 and still can't jump, but he is tall, strong and proud when he's riding Saskatoon.
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