I thought you might like to see a picture of Drew from our most recent Best Buddies event. We had a great time and despite the lack of wind that day, Drew did manage to get the kite up in the air at least for a little bit!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Drew the Musical Juggler!
Being Drew's Aunt has given my life such great joy! Here is just one example:
For many years, as a String Faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory, I was the director of their Intermediate Strings Orchestra. Drew, classical music lover that he is, enthusiastically attended many of our concerts. His favourite by far, was our annual Christmas Concert held at the First Church of the Nazareen. He loved to assist with the set up chairs for the orchestra or direct the audience to their seats or even to draw the door prize ticket for me. ( needless to say we were guaranteed a standing ovation with Drew leading the pack!)
During those years of my involvement with the Conservatory, Drew, already a very skilled juggler, began to broaden his "repertoire". In the past I had played fiddle music for him to juggle to, much to the delight of our Nova Scotia relatives whilst on holiday back East. When he appeared, twice, at the Alix Goolden Hall for the Music Therapy Department's important fund raising events, juggling to recorded classcial music, I was astonished to see how beautifully and effectively he choreographed his routines to the music's tempo and style. It was then I had my big" light bulb" moment: wouldn't it be exciting to have him juggle to LIVE classical music ? And so, on at least two occasions he appeared as the Special Guest Soloist with the Intermediate Orchestra, juggling to " The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba" by George Frederick Handel. When he first rehearsed with the orchestra, everyone was so thoroughly transfixed that they tried to watch Drew and their music at the same time, resulting in many players losing their place (!). As a result, I had Drew give them a private "showing", on stage at the Wood Hall, afterwhich they were better able to concentrate on their own parts. I will always remember the many smiles on my player's faces while they played for Drew at these concerts. I remain to this day, filled with admiration to witness how he possesses the ultimate trait of a true performer: the ability to lose one's self in what they are doing. My violin teacher in Europe preached tirelessly on that concept!
It is indeed a marvel for me to see how Drew's juggling talent serves as an outlet for his need to express deep feeling and appreciation for music. Sit next to Drew at a Symphony concert and you will experience first hand how music feeds his soul!
For many years, as a String Faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory, I was the director of their Intermediate Strings Orchestra. Drew, classical music lover that he is, enthusiastically attended many of our concerts. His favourite by far, was our annual Christmas Concert held at the First Church of the Nazareen. He loved to assist with the set up chairs for the orchestra or direct the audience to their seats or even to draw the door prize ticket for me. ( needless to say we were guaranteed a standing ovation with Drew leading the pack!)
During those years of my involvement with the Conservatory, Drew, already a very skilled juggler, began to broaden his "repertoire". In the past I had played fiddle music for him to juggle to, much to the delight of our Nova Scotia relatives whilst on holiday back East. When he appeared, twice, at the Alix Goolden Hall for the Music Therapy Department's important fund raising events, juggling to recorded classcial music, I was astonished to see how beautifully and effectively he choreographed his routines to the music's tempo and style. It was then I had my big" light bulb" moment: wouldn't it be exciting to have him juggle to LIVE classical music ? And so, on at least two occasions he appeared as the Special Guest Soloist with the Intermediate Orchestra, juggling to " The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba" by George Frederick Handel. When he first rehearsed with the orchestra, everyone was so thoroughly transfixed that they tried to watch Drew and their music at the same time, resulting in many players losing their place (!). As a result, I had Drew give them a private "showing", on stage at the Wood Hall, afterwhich they were better able to concentrate on their own parts. I will always remember the many smiles on my player's faces while they played for Drew at these concerts. I remain to this day, filled with admiration to witness how he possesses the ultimate trait of a true performer: the ability to lose one's self in what they are doing. My violin teacher in Europe preached tirelessly on that concept!
It is indeed a marvel for me to see how Drew's juggling talent serves as an outlet for his need to express deep feeling and appreciation for music. Sit next to Drew at a Symphony concert and you will experience first hand how music feeds his soul!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Best Buddies End of Season Get Together
On Saturday Drew enjoyed an outing with Best Buddies. Everyone met at the Moka House Cafe for coffee and chat. Afterwards they all went to Beacon Hill Park and flew kites by the tennis courts and lawn bowling club as well as playing bocci ball. Drew loves bocci as many of his friends will remember from summer BBQ's at the Conrads, maybe there are more bocci games waiting in the future! Drew flew a kite, something he really loves and is quite an expert at, although he says there wasn't a lot of wind. After lots of fun with his Best Buddies friends Drew got some more exercise and walked home. The only thing missing was his own Best Buddie Bob! who attended many BB events with Drew.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Drew at work, Drew behind the wheel
Drew asked me to post these photos. They are a few years old but he likes them. He wants everyone to see him at his work space at Community Living Victoria. He also wants everyone to see him "behind the wheel" just to see how it feels in Johanne Brodeur's (his music therapist) van. Drew would love to drive but he understands that even though he could learn the mechanics of driving he would find the unpredicatable nature of traffice too much. Also he is so rule bound he would be upset by all the drivers, especially in Victoria!, who break the rules. You may have heard "he shouldn't have done that, its not safe" while driving with him.
We could do with a few more Drews on the road!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Drew's story as told by Sarah
The new page is a profile of Drew taken from Lifetime Networks website written by Sarah when she was network manager. I want to include it because I think Sarah nicely captures Drew before he had a network and how he changed after and began to live successfully on his own. Some of you will recognize Drew from pre-network days and the enormous changes that took place with his network. Since 2004 the network has undergone changes but the benefits for Drew have continued to grow and the network has become an integral and vital part of his life. I especially like the ending where Sarah says Drew will have a network of people who love him for the rest of his life. This is certainly my hope and dream and because of what he has accomplished and become with the love and support of his network friends I can believe in the real possibility.
Drew sighting
Of course Drew doesn't tell us who he sees in his travels but I'm sure he was delighted to see Micayla!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Hawaii
Just wanted to share a few pictures from Dan's and my holiday to Hawaii. We had an amazing time in Oahu for a friends wedding. We stayed at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. It was fantastic - lots of sun and surf. Dan spent lots of time fishing and snorkeling and exploring the ocean and I spent lots of time reading, swimming and suntanning. Was great to have a holiday in such a beautiful place. We already can't wait to go back!
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