Jasper

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." I've always loved this quote and it has rung in my ear a few times since having our little lady Lucia and the relationships she has made.  There is Rose, her dear pen pal who took to Lucia after meeting her only once at a park.  It's been a while since we've corresponded, but Rose will always have a special place in Lucia's heart.  And now...Jasper.  Sweet sweet Jasper.
Lucia is in her very special class at school with her beautiful 9 classmates.   The kids also spend a little time with some of the typical students.  It was also important to our family that Lucia was able to form relationships with her same aged peers as well- the other kindergartners.   So about 2 months ago,  Jason and I set up a time to talk to the kindergarten kids with Lucia.  Jason and I didn't have much exposure with special needs kids growing up and we were hoping to change that a little with Lu.   We shared how she might appear quite different from them, but really she is just a little 5 year old person like them.  She loves to swing, dance, get kisses from her doggie, and cuddles from her siblings and parents.  She loves to be outside, loves music and songs.  Just then a small, fair freckled little boy raised his hand.  He asked if she liked to have songs sung to her.  We said yes and he slowly walked up next to Lu in front of the class.  He looked right at her as he gently sang Lu the ABC song.  Jason and I were so touched, so blown away, and actually pretty shocked.  His name was Jasper.  We finished our time visiting the 3 kinder classes and went home.  We went on to smile and talk about that moment with Lu and Jasper, many times.   Jason kept saying we needed to send his parents a thank you card for raising such an amazing little boy.

Over the next few weeks, Lu's teacher and myself implemented more regular times for Lu to spend with the kindergarten peers.  She would do art, phys-ed and a special Wednesday popcorn activity- "Popcorn with Lucia" (an idea we got from another PKS mom).  For the activity, two kids are chosen each Wednesday for good behavior and they help Lu pop corn and spend time together.  The two kids get a special popcorn treat, it's a great sensory activity for Lu and hopefully they form a little friendship.  When Lu's teacher sent me the pics from the first popcorn day I was so happy to recognize sweet Jasper.  This boy is so special.

Jasper helping Lucia pop corn with a special switch

the ball pit in the popcorn/lucia's class sensory room (see how cool her school is?!)

Selfie!  Brendan, one of Lu's fun paras and the 2 kids!

One of paraprofessionals shared how Jasper runs over and sings Lu a song when he sees her at recess too.  Man, so amazing.

A couple weeks later I took Lucia by the kinder classes to drop off her Valentines.  The first room we stopped by was ok.  A few kids said hi to Lu from their seat, we dropped off her valentines and went on to the next room.  When I pushed my Lu into Jasper's class he jumped out of his seat-  "Lucia!! Happy Valentines Day Lucia!" Then he and about 5 other kids gathered around Lu and sang her "twinkle twinkle little star".  I couldn't stop the tears.   My girl can't run into her class and say hi, she can't walk over and sit next to a classmates as they make valentines boxes.  She can't chime in with conversation about her favorite color or ponies or princesses.  She just is her beautiful self, quietly holding her hands, sweetly looking around in her chair.  I think she wants to be a part of their world but it's just not the way it is..not in the typical way.  But sweet Jasper has helped break down these walls and make this more possible.  He sees her, he responds to her.  He isn't afraid to hold her arm or look into her eyes as he sings. And, it is all done without effort.  Jasper just does this because that is what Jasper is.  I was actually pretty nervous to take Lu that day.  Nervous she wouldn't be acknowledged.  Nervous she would feel invisible or in the way.  I thought I might be leaving the rooms with tears of sadness but instead Jasper brought tears of joy.

This past week Lucia and I joined on a evening kinder field trip to the zoo-that's right an evening/actually overnight for the other kids-field trip to the zoo- SO COOL!  Once again, I was a little nervous of how the kids would treat Lu.  She was among about 40 kids in large room for the zoo intro.  None of the kids said hi to Lu, they were all so excited and wound up so I tried not to think about it.  I was hoping so much that our Jasper would be there.  Our friend, her friend.  Her only visible friend in the big group.  Then I saw him and saw him goofing around with some buddies.  I thought he maybe saw Lu but was too busy with his friends.  I then noticed one of the chaperones close to him, and talking to him..could it be his dad?  I went over and asked him and YES it was Jasper's dad!   I gushed to him about his amazing son.  I hesitated but couldn't resist asking if I could take a selfie with him so I could send it to Jason- I knew Jase would be so excited too!   Jasper and his parents were like movie stars in our world. So funny but so true!  Our heros!

Jasper's dad Alma and Lu's mom

A few minutes after the intro, Jasper saw Lu and came over and it was- "Dad meet Lucia.  Lucia meet my dad.  She's my friend.".  The rest of the time was pretty wonderful.  We were in Jasper and his dad's small group with about 8 other kids, a couple more chaperones and some staff as we explored the zoo at night.  Jasper insisted on pushing Lucia most of the time.  Then Lucia gave him a ride on the side of her chair after Jasper had a mishap with a post.  The night ended with Jasper inviting Lucia to his house and his birthday party, which happens to be just 1 day before Lucia's.  Little Jasper,  to the world you may be one person. but to one person you may be the world.  Without Jasper I know I would feel sadness and pain for our little girl.  I thank God for Jasper and Rose and Payton (who I will share about another time).  Our Lucia has a special friend named Jasper.   Jasper has a special friend named Lucia.  This friendship has brought so much hope and light into our world.

little Jasper and a friend with Lu

ride on my chair Jasper!

even though he couldn't see over lucia he did a pretty good job.  Only ran into the zoo staff once :) 

sitting with the kids before we said goodbye

You just never know when you could mean the world to someone like Jasper means to Lu.