The best candlestick maker Kansas has ever seen!

We had a first last week. We got to see Super D in his first music program! The first grade classes at Tonganoxie Elementary presented “Three of a Kind”. Daniel got to play the candlestick maker.

Daniel’s para had asked me if we were interested in having him participate. I was very interested, but somewhat apprehensive. After all, crowds tend to be overwhelming for him. I had the chance to meet with the music teacher beforehand. She had an excellent plan.

In order to get Super D to his place on stage, she assigned two boys to hold his hands and lead him to the “boat” for their part of the program. This two boys took their job very seriously, making sure Daniel go to where he needed to be and back safely. After his part was done, he did very well sitting in the chair they had provided for him.

We discovered a new talent during the show. Daniel has the ability to blow raspberries on his hand to the tune of a song There is nothing like hearing a loud fart sound coming from the stage in time with the song.

I would have been more proud if he would have busted it out in his armpit, but hey, we have to have goals.

It was a wonderful evening. I cannot say enough about the excellent staff at the Tonganoxie Elementary. They have been so good to use over the last two years. Mrs. Haney went above and beyond, in my opinion, to see that Daniel was included. All the staff there has been so good about that.

It was an emotional night for me. I’m tearing up while typing this. I never thought I would get to see Daniel in a school program. That was one of the many dreams that died for me years ago. But thanks to a first class school staff that really cares about the kids, that dream was brought back to life.

This was also another view into the changing world. See, Daniel is just one of the kids. Those two boys did not fear their job, they seemed honored by it. Daniel’s whole class loves him. When he is gone, they ask about him. They do not see my boy as an outsider. He is simply Daniel, one of the class. That warms my heart.

Change is possible in this world, if we would only take our cues from a first grade class.