Hello Beginning
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When Simon finished his first horse session at RideAble today he asked me this question, "Do you think this will be a powerful memory?"
"Of course it will be." I answered as I helped him change out of his boots and back into his tennis shoes.
"Will it protect me when I encounter Dementors?"
Ah, a very specific Harry Potter reference.
What he was wondering, this awesome boy of mine, was if this memory would be powerful enough to become his patronus.
Harry Potter fans will recognize this quickly, others may need an explanation:
"This ancient and mysterious charm conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings. The Patronus Charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus, a guardian which generally takes the shape of the animal with whom they share the deepest affinity. You may suspect, but you will never truly know what form your Patronus will take until you succeed in conjuring it." (Miranda Goshawk)
An animal with whom they share the deepest affinity.
The way the Patronus charm works is that the wizard must concentrate, with all their might, on a single, very happy memory to protect themselves in the darkest moments.
What Simon was telling me, through this short conversation, was that he loved this experience.
The truth is, he didn't need to tell me.
I could see it in the way he was paying attention, in the way he was careful and kind, and in the way he smiled at me when he caught my eye.
Simon was on a horse once before if I remember correctly, many years ago down in Bandon on the Oregon coast. That horse, as Chris and my parents will remember, was named Silver. Today he met Chica and he was smitten.
We signed him up for these lessons with the hope that it would be something he could get excited about and connect with (to the horses, to the instructors, to the other students, to the experience).
Today was an awesome beginning.
Life is for living. And for making memories and learning new things and finding stuff to get excited about and sharing deepest affinities.
#gosimongo
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74 comments
Oh, my goodness, I feel quite tearful ... but in a good way. The last photo of Simon is tremendous! You've given me the push I need to look into horse riding lessons for my 8-year-old son (who has HFA). Thanks, Ali!
Replies to Maxpuppy
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What amazing words! Go Simon Go!
Replies to tammyeberhard
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I always love your story telling! What a precious story! It brought tears for me...happy for Simon to find something that he loves so much. Thanks for the HP explanation. I'm one of the few in the world who needed help understanding that reference, but it was a beautiful one. Thanks for sharing this story! ~Jen
Replies to jenlevin
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I truly love this post, the Harry Potter reference is priceless. So very happy that Simon had such a wonderful experience.
Replies to JustMel
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Wonderful story and an awesome young man!
Replies to hgauvin
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This is such a beautiful story and I just love the Harry Potter reference.
Replies to andreacollects
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You're not only a good writer and photographer, but also a very good listener, Ali!
#beautiful story.
Replies to MoniquevB
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These photo's are fantastic. Especially love the first one. So happy for you that he loved the experience. I think it's so healthy for kids to connect with animals.
Replies to Lize
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If it were only just this day, it would be so worth it. Simon has really helped you become an acute and loving observer. #goSimongoAli
Replies to Cookingmylife
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I have tears, and I'm not sure why. Wonderful story, amazing boy, awesome momma.
Replies to jdscrappy
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Simon's way of communication is so special and awesome! Through one question he was able to share a deep thought with you in his own way, so cool!!! I love reading your stories... I had happy tears streaming down my face...go Simon go!!
Replies to Giselechastain
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I am so glad I was not the only one crying while reading this. Beautifully written Ali. So awesome that Simon had a great experience!
Replies to mrscourtney555
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Oh how we live for these moments <3
(From the momma of a son with Autism)
Replies to cnagel629
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Oh my goodness. Tears in my eyes. His question was simple, pure and wholly poetic. Love the HP connection he made. I wonder what memories will conjure my patrunus. I sense a layout.
Replies to kcp_
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Goosebumps. Cried. whispered #gosimongo at the end. Love this Ali.
Replies to lharvey81
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Awesome. Just plain awesome.
Replies to kelleyhartnett
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#gosimongo indeed! What a great post Ali, and what an awesome comment Simon. I love that Harry Potter has obviously so deeply resonated with him.
Replies to heyecho
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This is just awesome, that is all!
Replies to amorton63
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Yes, this. May it continue to be a positively wonderful experience for Simon!!!!
Replies to Carolly
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This is so heartwarming. I love all of it. Thank you for sharing.
Replies to bookemper
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