AAFS Annual Report 2018 - 2019 | Page 24

Finding My

Way HomE

There is someone in my life who exudes pure joy, happiness, sadness, and every other feeling. This person doesn’t hold back. They love hard and show it, and they dance and sing like no one is watching. They are the first person to cheer you on and tell you that you can do it. This person is their authentic self in every moment of life. Most days, I strive to represent an ounce of the person they are. This person has taught me about self-confidence, love, and how sometimes you just need to slow down and look at something. This person has taught me the importance of celebrating even the smallest accomplishments.

This person needs a little more support in everyday life than others. For a long time, my family and I have cared for them in many different ways. This may include bathing, getting dressed, making sure their room is clean, and ensuring they are getting the nutrition they need. They have needed specialists to help with fine motor skills, talking, and learning different life skills. From the outside looking in, it would seem that they need a lot of support. What people don’t realize is this person has shaped the course of my life. Through them, I have discovered my passion in life. They have taught me to think outside of the box and expect the unexpected.