March 31, 2010

A special needs mother's necklace


Last Monday at the Parent's Autism Conference at Carmen B. Pingree, there was a booth packed with all sorts of gear to advocate for autism. I couldn't help myself and I bought a water bottle, car magnet, window cling and a tiny, size 4T t-shirt with saying: "Kids with Autism Rock!"

This also got me thinking, while I am an advocate for many causes like autism, epilepsy and rare disease, what I really am is a mother-advocate for Bertrand Thomas Might--my beautiful, strong, charming, determined, warrior son. What I really wanted was something I could wear daily to make others aware of Bertrand's challenges and his indomitable spirit.

So, I contacted the kind and patient Shannon Schoon, proprietress of Peace of Mind Jewelry. She had created a special necklace for the Global Genes Project, an initiative to promote rare disease awareness, and she created the mother's necklace pictured above specifically for me.
  • The spectrum of colored stones and puzzle piece charm profess autism awareness.
  • The purple stone and ribbon charm profess epilepsy awareness.
  • The blue stone (also B's birthstone) and the rare charm profess rare disease awareness.
Bertrand's name charm is the largest and stands alone because he is most important. Bertrand is not defined by his symptoms, but they are a part of him. I love Bertrand not in spite of them but because he is my son. And no matter what (and thanks to my lovely new conversation piece) I will continue to advocate for him and the other children out there facing similar challenges.

5 comments :

  1. That is really beautiful. Both the necklace and your thoughts.

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  2. You're a great mom. ;-) It's good for me to know you.

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  3. Beautiful, Cristina. I'd love to see a photo with you wearing it to get a sense of how visible it is. (And besides, you're so photogenic!) :)

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  4. That is just beautiful! Perfect even. I totally understand what you mean by putting B first and foremost. :)

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  5. Kiki
    I love this bracelet! I want to get one done for me on behalf of Bertrand! You are the best MOM in the WORLD thatBertrand can have!
    Love, Titi Lili

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