world down syndrome day

21st March - World Down Syndrome Day

the center organized an event to celebrate. photo gallery, art and craft gallery and performances.
we were included in the event too, naturally.

oh, the drama.

so many things going on. so many things to keep track. so many things to arrange. so many kids to keep an eye on.
and i have to take care with my back.

felt bad coz there was so much i couldn't do.

the bear performance was a success. though dj was in a tantrum throughout. even nic and nh who were so nervous before the performance were so good and smiley on stage. and im was just brilliant as the bear =D
but the fire dance...sigh. so many changes since the rehearsals, and last minute changes and requests, and the unfamiliarity of half of the students with us and the routine. no wonder it was a mess.

and the super super hero jumped down from the stage right at the end of the performance, scaring the whole audience. (found out only after he jumped off coz there were too many kids on stage and i was busy closing for the performance and forgot about this danger. and the people who were supposed to be at the edge to stop or redirect him were nowhere near.) while he just went on with his life, not understanding the consequences. he really has no fear. i'm past feeling shocked by his actions, coz i know he has little understanding of the social rules and expectations and has no sense of danger. now that i could anticipate his actions in the next seconds, i can focus more on shaping his behavior. hopefully i could school my reactions and expressions enough, and change my feelings quick enough to affect change.

they purposely arranged the performance time for the guests and yet the timing was just off. i just knew it would happen. never ever count on malaysian timing, kl traffic and airport clearance efficiency.

the bad:
-lots of last minute info for the gallery, and last minute requests for the performance, for the booth.
-he refused to go on stage, threw socks towards the mc stand. now that i think about it, maybe he was just nervous about going on stage.
-arranging and rearranging our space.
-having to go in mid of the dance to "salvage" it coz the creative director pushed me to. though i alrd pulled out early on. little good it did. only managed to put more strain on my back. tsk. should've just stayed below and away.
-and the barking early in the morn. lucky it was a nice morning and we were all in a good mood not to be affected by it.
-overhearing disappointing povs of some of the parents

the good:
-seeing our kids have fun on stage.
-seeing our kids have fun backstage.
-seeing volunteers showing effort to understand our kids.
-realizing that my patience well has gone a few inches deeper.
-realizing that i have fairly good work ethics and responsibility.
-the beautiful photos, artwork and handcraft from the kids.

it was a frustrating and exhausting and helpless day for me. but seeing the smiles on the kids faces and the parents' faces made everything worthwhile i could almost forget the bad. i will forget them someday, but while i still remember, i wanna write them down.
but i'll still remember the happy memories most. coz their smiles are just so bright.