Making A Difference
By Cindy Prindle
Rising Son Youth Ranch, St Joseph, MO
In dealing with at risk and special needs children, we often encounter children with Downs Syndrome, and children with Autism. Some may not have had much contact with children with special needs, so may not know what these conditions are. Downs Syndrome is the most common cause of mental retardation and malformation in newborns. It occurs because of the presence of an extra chromosome in the DNA. Other physical defects may accompany Down’s Syndrome, such as heart problems, gastrointestinal disorders, risk for infections, esp. ear infections, kidney disorders, thyroid disease, hearing loss, vision problems and a greatly increased risk for leukemia and Alzheimer’s disease. Autism is an impairment in social interaction, and communication as well as restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. Each of these conditions alone can be devastating to a family, disruptive and even destructive if not received with an open heart and mind. But combine them, and they become frightening, confusing and can wreak havoc in a family.
Ryan was born with Downs Syndrome and Autism. Some days, his mom and Dad just cope. The simple task of getting Ryan dressed in the morning can seem insurmountable, and finding activities that he can enjoy and that will keep his interest can be daunting. Some days are spent running from one event to another, to help tire him out, so he’ll sleep well that night, maybe even sleep past 5:00 in the morning. What bliss to be able to sleep in just one morning; to be able to let down one’s guard for one hour, and not worry where Ryan is and what he’s doing! If you ask me, folks like Ryan’s mom and dad are unsung heroes, faithfully attending to their son’s needs, day after day, not out of duty, but out of love and dedication.
One day, Ryan’s Mom heard about a riding therapy ranch for at risk and special needs children. She called to make an appointment for Ryan; maybe he would enjoy brushing and spending time with horses. Ryan’s first visit was a real challenge. First, we found a pair of boots to fit him, then we tried on several helmets, but Ryan didn’t want to wear the helmet and kept taking it off. We explained that he couldn’t spend time or ride Lucky, the mare we had chosen for him, without his helmet on. It took some persuading before Ryan relented and let us buckle the helmet on. We had to use a special bareback pad for Ryan to be comfortable on Lucky because his leg muscles were so tight that he had trouble straddling her. After that first ride, Ryan looked forward so much to coming to the ranch to see Lucky, that he began cooperating when it came time to get dressed in the morning.
Parents of special needs children are always looking for ways to improve their child’s quality of life, his or her enjoyment of life is sometimes hard to achieve. Ryan’s mom and dad make sure he also enjoys other activities, such as swimming, baseball and Boy Scouts. Riding therapy not only increases his enjoyment of life, but His circulation and muscle development were much improved as well. The first season that Ryan rode, he had to have someone walk beside him to make sure he didn’t fall off Lucky, his balance wasn’t good, especially when he was struggling with ear infections. The second season Ryan rode, his balance was much improved and we only needed to have someone watching from the center of the ring for balance problems. By the third season, Ryan’s balance and muscle development were so much better, he only needed someone to lead Lucky around the ring for him. We have a grand time singing and playing number games while Ryan rides. He brings Lucky apples as a special thank you treat after his ride. These may seem like small things to you, but they are making a difference in Ryan’s life.
Sometimes even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference, a smile to a stranger in a crowd, a helping hand to a neighbor in need, a thank you card to a soldier overseas. These thoughtful little gestures can make a world of difference to a lonely or hurting soul. Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me….. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers, you did for me.” So, why do we try to measure success by the big events when a small act of kindness can make all the difference in the world? Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? A cup of water in the name of Jesus will not go unrewarded. Mark 9:41.