Montreal visit

A MAGICAL NIGHT FOR A MAGICAL CHILD

If you meet him for a few minutes, he’s just like every other child. If you spend more time with him, you’ll see the signs that make him a different little man: when he gets very excited he waives his arms like he’s trying to fly away. Other times, he bites his hand or starts singing as loud as he can in a language only he understands.

Massimo has developmental problems coupled with autism characteristics. The verdict came down in July of 2008 after months of testing conducted by a wide variety of health professionals. A diagnosis like this might look so threatening to a child, just a little man. You couldn’t be more wrong. The health professionals insisted on pointing out how open and receptive Massimo was towards the “outside” world. We have to stimulate in him, every day, this desire communicate with us and learn from us.

In spite of his very young age, Massimo has this power to change people around him. He teaches us to appreciate the simple things in life. Those little things that, for him, are one victory after the other: eat an apple, make an ice cream cone out of putty and make believe that he eats it, sing a song, ask for what he wants using full sentences, draw a sun with eyes and a smile or simply look for his little brother.

All those close to him are thrilled with his progress. Those who pay attention to him are usually rewarded with a touch, a caress or an all out smile. We’re counting on him to change perceptions, educate people and learn the real meaning of the word d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-c-e.

MASSIMO'S FIRST TIME AT BELL CENTER

Answering to NHL Referee Stéphane Auger’s invitation, Massimo and his dad went to the Bell Center on November 11th to see the Canadians face the Senators. What a challenge for a child who is so sensitive to loud noises to sit in the middle of a packed arena with fans screaming, music blasting and the giant scoreboard flashing in his eyes.

When we got there, Massimo seems to be asking himself thousands of questions. Where am I? Why is there so many people? What’s with all the noise? The more people around him, the more excited he kept getting. His smile just grew wider and wider. When we got to the stands, he put his hands on his ears. He had sparkles in his eyes and so many question marks. So much to see.

And suddenly: “C’est le but”. Dad feared what his son’s reaction would be to this explosion of noises. But he had none. Just tons of questions in his eyes but no fear, no panic. Slowly but surely, he was getting more and more comfortable and more and more excited when players got near the boards. He was loving it. What a relief for dad.

Between the first and second periods, Massimo and his dad went to visit with the Officials. They offered him an Official’s jersey along with a bunch of other gifts. They also asked his dad about Massimo and tried to strike up a conversation with him. Massimo wouldn’t look at them but kept on smiling. He even agreed to be held by one of the Referees for a few pictures. Many thanks to Mr. Marouelli, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Kimmerly and Mr. Cormier.

It is difficult to get Massimo’s impressions on how he liked this experience but we are convinced that he loved it. Because of Zebra’s care, dad was able to share a magical night with his son. It is another victory for Massimo.

Thanks you Zebra’s care for your generosity towards children who are d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t and their parents. Special thanks to Stéphane Auger for making it possible. Because of all of you, our little man entered our world and he will definitely keep from this night some unforgettable memories.

Massimo’s parents, Maude and Patrick