Hello everybody. This week my blog will be about my response to the video that the Arc Alliance put up on their website. I have a suggestion. You should watch the video first and then come back and read this.
As you may know, I have the same disability as Alex’s brother. That means I have some different challenges in my life, but I can overcome those challenges if I put my heart into it. Some of those challenges include getting out of bed. Someone needs to pick me up. Writing at school, I have an instructional assistant to help me write and to sometimes push me when I am not working hard enough. Sometimes I will need help eating as well because it is sometimes hard for me to get the food to my mouth. This video showed me that sometimes you can’t do everything on your own. Sometimes you need someone else to help you. My brother also has a disability like me, but he has different challenges. For instance, he has limited use of his left hand. I do not know if he’s just lazy and does not want to use it, or if he just can’t.
Let me give you a brief synopsis on what the video you’re about to see or have already seen is about. Up until four years ago, Canada did not win a gold medal at a home Olympics. That all changed when Alex won a gold medal in skiing four years ago. He said his inspiration came from his disabled brother Frederick, who has CP. That is the same disability that my brother and I have. Frederick inspired Alex to win that gold medal, and that is what the video is about. Frederick inspires his brother, so are you wondering who inspires me? Well I will tell you, my teacher Mr. Feldmann inspires me, because he pushes me to do things that I thought I could not do before.
That’s about it.
Chandler 🙂
Chandler,
Everyone has to face challenges. Fortunately we don’t have to face them alone!
It is inspiring to watch others face challenges, and to remain strong and determined. You are inspiring to me. It’s not easy to take your opinions and thoughts and put them down in words for the world to read, but you do it beautifully. Thank you for sharing.
Mrs. Leslie
What a great point you make, Chandler, about everyone having different strengths and needs. Sometimes it is not easy for people to absorb that idea, but it is true. When I saw the video clip of Frederick and Alex at my house, I could not help but get teary eyed. My two sons asked me why I was sad and I told them that I was so happy to see two brothers treating each other so kindly. I can only hope that they would treat each other that same way, no matter how different they are from one another. I am so proud of you, Chandler! You are an awesome student and an awesome young man. Keep up the good work!
-Mrs. Jeffers
Amazing video and commentary. You are a very good writer (and comic!) Other than the reporter’s mentioning Frederic ‘suffers from’ CP (the media just doesn’t get it), I enjoyed watching it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Chandler –
I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed this video, the story about the brothers and your comments. I don’t remember hearing the story about Alex and Frederick during the Olympics; I’m so glad you shared it. My secret dream has always been to win a gold medal so I really love stories about the Olympics! Plus, it’s always nice to hear what motivates people and think about who inspired you and who you might be inspiring. Keep up the good work! Amy
…hey Chandler, my other email was “cut off”. Anyway, you are my new hero. You inspire me!! My hope for you is that you rise to your greatness; from what I’m gathering by the way you write…you are on your way!! Stay well, keep writing and reaching out to others, and for heaven sake…THINK SPRING and warm weather thoughts!!!!! We need all we can get!!!!! Mrs. Spagnoli 9GC
Chandler, thanks for sharing your thoughts. You talk about all the people who inspire you and I wonder if you know whom you inspire. I bet there are more folks than you might realize who are inspired by you!
Chandler,
I love your insight about challenges and your constant strive to better yourself! You inspire and drive me to be. I hope your teacher knows how much you appreciate him! He’s a very lucky teacher to have such a hard working, caring and insightful student!!! Love Aunt Donna