Our internet started working yesterday, after not having WiFi for over five weeks. And this afternoon…. We have a power outage on the farm. Granted this morning I was lamenting over how we were sitting on the couch, watching Prime Video, when just yesterday we were forced to go outside to play for entertainment. But it’s Wednesday, and on Wednesdays we go to the therapy clinic, so everyone wakes up with the anticipation of work ahead. It was rather nice to plop everyone in front of the TV so I could pack the assorted snacks, communication device, colossal kids keyboard, and the various tricks I carry with us (this week it’s a tiny blue, shiny Mater and a big blue, shiny Mater from the movie Cars). Having Dora take the edge off everyone was a treat.
But here we are this evening, with no electicity, a crackling fire in the fireplace, two kids bundled in blankets eating popcorn and apples, watching Stinky & Dirty on my phone, while my husband and I watch the sun start to set, wondering what’s in store for the evening. There was a massive downpour, while Lilah drove Kenny around in the Big Wheels red truck, with daddy hot on the trail, hollering for them to stop. They didn’t. I was inside building a fire in the dark, when all three of them came inside dripping head to toe.
We’re supposed to have a farm party this week, but with thunderstorms in the weather report, I’m a little apprehensive about how this is all going to go. The plan is for about 20 kids to come out and plant some seeds in the garden, have a picnic, and go on a nature walk with the tiny magnifying glasses I bought. I’m not sure how that is going to work out, if there’s thunder and lightening. I suppose we could come inside, but that makes this type A clean freak cringe.
We’ve already had a lot of moms and kids come play around on the farm, feeding the sheep and playing t-ball in the backyard. I have such big hopes for this farm. I want it to be a sanctuary for all children, but especially those with different abilities. I researched sensory integration in nature yesterday, referred to as “Therapeutic Nature Immersion,” and loved what I read. I also read something to the effect of “a kid can’t bounce off the walls, if there are no walls.” So profound! And brilliantly simple.
I dream of this farm bringing a sense of calm and organization to Kenny’s brain. I dream of this farm giving Lilah an animal retreat, where she can spend time being just Lilah, and not Kenny’s sister. I dream of sharing
this farm with children who want to splash in muddy puddles, and eat outside, and pick up wiggly worms and feel them squirm in their fingers. I dream of moms of autistic kids who elope coming for an afternoon, and feeling safe to let their child be immersed in nature without being hyper vigilant. It’s all so…. dreamy.
