Friday, April 25, 2014

Our new star Jeffrey :)

When we were contacted by the Gilbert School District about teaming up on a campaign with them and the Mesquite High School chapter of the Best Buddies program I was very excited. Then they sent us art created by their students with special needs and out of the 15 pieces our Board of Advisors voted and three were selected. It just so happens all thee pieces were created by the same artist, Jeffrey ! His mother passed along this information for you to get to know Jeffrey a little better.

(The talented Jeffrey)

Our little guy Jeffrey has been a survivor from the beginning. He was born under very stressful conditions and has been fighting every day since. Though he wasn't diagnosed until he was three years of age, our family noticed he wasn't meeting the milestones that typical children do. He had no words at 18 months. We were introduced to early intervention, the autism journey began. He is now able to communicate his wants and needs but is not conversational.

(Jeffrey showing off those baby blues)

He was always happy, smiling, laughing and content as a baby. He was very young when he showed a great interest in Disney movies. Among his favorites are The Little Mermaid and Winnie the Pooh. It's amazing that even though he struggles with speech, he can rattle off the complete dialogue to some movies. He loves pizza, pop chips, and french fries. He loves to be outside playing in dirt and rocks. He spends much of the summer in our pool, swims like a fish. He has a trampoline and a swing in the yard that get a lot of use. He can bounce around our home on an exercise ball that has to be seen to believe. We call him the ”ball master”. The ipad is always close by. He uses it to draw the most adorable pictures, everything is always smiling. There are some dislikes for Jeffrey too. He does not like haircuts, loud noise, mixed vegetables or candy (chocolate not included!) 

(Jeffrey loves to play baseball)

 He rides a horse named Rosebud once a week for hippo/speech therapy and goes to a gym for physical therapy. He gets Occupational and Habilitation therapies in our home. We have very dedicated, exceptional therapists that have been with Jeffrey for years now. He attends Greenfield Elementary School, home of the Gators! He is in 2nd grade. I can't say enough to express the admiration I have for his teacher and the staff at school. They are the best.
Jeffrey is a blessing to our family. Having a child with special needs reminds us everyday about what should be priority in this life. Acceptance, unconditional love, courage and determination to appreciate all we have been given.

(Jeffrey enjoying the rain)

Hopefully you loved getting to know this awesome boy and will support the Gilbert Public Schools and the programs they have to help Jeffrey get the best learning experience possible. Thank you so much.

5 comments:

  1. Jeffrey is my grandson and all I can say about him is "To know him is to 'LOVE' him." Jeffrey I love you more than the sun moon and stars, our little miracle you've come oh so very far. You are sweet, smart, funny, loving, all rolled into one and you have so much love to give, you've made my world much better, my very 'special' grandson. You are special in your own unique way, but one thing for certain we never have a dull day. You have brought so much love to our family, I thank God for you everyday.

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  2. Paper Clouds apparel referred to Jeffrey as 'our new star' and I agree, he is a star, as he shines so brightly through his drawings. Jefferies art work radiates and expresses his feelings, and if you will notice all his drawings have 'happy' faces. He might live in a world of his own at times, but I find peace knowing it's a 'happy' world. When I look at Jefferies drawings I see his talent, it shows he retains details and can duplicate what he sees onto paper. He doesn't copy from anything, it's all from memory.
    To all my friends and family you only have 5 days, 15 hours, 2 minutes, 3 seconds to check out Jefferies designs and make a purchase to proudly display on a t-shirt, hat or tote, and at the same time you are helping out Paper Clouds Apparel that raises funds for the special needs children.
    I know it will be difficult to choose just one of Jefferies designs because they are all so good,........so why not purchase all three.
    Lets all go to papercloudsapparel.com and.
    SHOP,SHOP,SHOP!
    And for those who can't shop, please just go to facebook and 'LIKE' on PCA. Thanks.

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  3. Just a reminder you still 5 days, 10 hours, 4 minutes, 7 seconds to purchase Jefferies art work and dispaly it on a t-shirt, hat, or a tote. I just don't want you to regret passing up the opportunity you had to buy Jefferies art designs at such a good price and for a good cause. Jeffery has great art potential and I vision his art displayed in art galleries throughout the country some day. I wouldn't want you in 25-30 years from now regretting you passed up such a good deal. Everyone starts somewhere. Did you know that 'Michelangelo's' first painting was of a bird, and that Leonardo da Vinci's first painting was of a turtle? Maybe Jeffrey gets his inspiration from them. If I'm going to wish for him, I'm going to wish big.
    If you can't be the sun, then be a star.
    If you can't be a highway, then be a trail.
    We are proud you've come so far,
    You're loved just the way you are..

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  4. Barbara Storing is good one and blessing love jeffry.
    UStradeent.com

    ReplyDelete