Its Showtime

What a week its been, between interview prep and calls but also the eldest 2 got to perform in the Helix all weekend.  Firstly the show was amazing, everyone who took part was fantastic, to my incredible son who was the lead- you were amazing and all the hard work since your injury paid off and you were the Star of the show.  The emotion he showed in his performance is something some actors struggle to get right. Your mam and I are so proud.

Now to the other star of the show my incredible daughter. As someone with Autism, the situation could have been very tough- long days, lots of waiting around, things needing to be done at speed...but she showed amazing poise and handled everything that was thrown at her.  And then went on stage and performed like never before, getting her lines right and then dancing with her classmates.  I have been very lucky to be able to help out at these shows for the last few years, so I'm nearby if either kid needs me but especially her.  Sometimes its just a hug or she wants to say hello but then when its showtime she just goes and does it like a Pro.

I need to take a minute to and call out their dance school BSD-they have created a place were kids can go and be themselves and feel wanted, valued and shown that everyone is different, and everyone has a place. Nikki and her team are outstanding in what they do and you can see it in each child who performs.  I danced many years ago, and didn't push my kids into it, but they have found their tribe at BSD and as an observer it fills me with Joy. My daughter had tried so many things over the years, gymnastics to taekwondo to Gaelic football and she stuck with nothing.  Or should i say nothing stuck with her, and then she followed her big brother to BSD and she has loved it ever since.  The staff understand her and her needs as someone with Autism so she is never under pressure there.  They adjusted costumes and hairstyles so she can take part in the show, if she was struggling she had so many people on hand to help her...Every community needs a BSD. So get out there guys and support local clubs as everyone should be able to take part in sports and hobbies no matter what.  

And remember so many disabilities like Autism or ADHD are hidden or can be hidden(masking) and it can take a lot to ask for help, but do ask for the help, as soon as I told BSD about my daughters autism, they asked what she needed and how they can help and that was a weight off my mind.  A great example is not switching her hair during the show as she doesn't like people at her hair, so they said no bother leave it in one style.....no issue and in fact she then let 2 people fix it slightly when needed, as she knew there was no pressure on her and this was huge.

BSD keep up the awesome work for years to come and continue to build a safe space that kids can come to and shine like stars- like all kids should be allowed to do no matter what.