“All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them.”
- Walt Disney
I recently had the chance to have some sister/brother bonding time with Justin. We talked about goals and dreams and things we want to achieve in our lives. It is a challenge for Justin to speak in perfect cookie-cutter sentences, but his dream came across loud and clear:
"A Disney Animator. Yes, Disney animation."
For as long as I can remember, Justin has been a die-hard Disney guy. We used to fantasize when we were kids about our family packing up our stuff and moving into Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I'll never forget the first time we flew to Florida and experienced The Walt Disney World Resort. Justin was ecstatic. So, when he shared with me this dream of his, I wasn't surprised! Being an incredibly detailed artist who puts so much focus on Disney characters definitely points out that the shoe fits.
However, the second thing that ran through my mind was... how? What can I do to help this dream be fulfilled? I can research, educate, and make phone calls, and find connections. But my first step is making that dream public. Justin agreed that this was okay!
People diagnosed with Autism are still people. They have dreams and goals and desire just like any of us. But they can also be crushed and suppressed just like ours. Our job is to uplift and find a way to encourage those dreams, not shut them down!
Whether Autistic or not, we all have the potential to live out our calling. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Justin doesn't!
Dream out loud, Justin. You're the bomb diggity!
- Jenni
"A Disney Animator. Yes, Disney animation."
For as long as I can remember, Justin has been a die-hard Disney guy. We used to fantasize when we were kids about our family packing up our stuff and moving into Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I'll never forget the first time we flew to Florida and experienced The Walt Disney World Resort. Justin was ecstatic. So, when he shared with me this dream of his, I wasn't surprised! Being an incredibly detailed artist who puts so much focus on Disney characters definitely points out that the shoe fits.
However, the second thing that ran through my mind was... how? What can I do to help this dream be fulfilled? I can research, educate, and make phone calls, and find connections. But my first step is making that dream public. Justin agreed that this was okay!
People diagnosed with Autism are still people. They have dreams and goals and desire just like any of us. But they can also be crushed and suppressed just like ours. Our job is to uplift and find a way to encourage those dreams, not shut them down!
Whether Autistic or not, we all have the potential to live out our calling. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Justin doesn't!
Dream out loud, Justin. You're the bomb diggity!
- Jenni