The Best Day

Dear Friends,

Yesterday was one of the best days in my life! I am not exaggerating. I am glowing from it!

First: I took the train on my own for the first time! It was so liberating. I am so proud of this milestone. I am so eager to do it more. This was my first time alone in public, except for when I do beach days while Tara surfs. It felt so freeing to be on my own. I am grateful I was able to do this.

Second: My confidence from the train ride carried over to my surfing. Tara picked me up from the train and brought me to Waves 4 All’s monthly surf day. It was a gorgeous day and I had good speller friends with me there. I also was so proud to share about my train ride with Todd, my surf mentor. And I was able to get my body to stand up more consistently than ever before. I could feel new connections forming in my body as I persisted in standing up, even after the waves had run out of momentum. It felt great to be cheered on and to hang out with good friends Austin and Kade.

Third: I am so absolutely thrilled by this part! We hosted an amazing Halloween party. Wow. It was so good! I directed it, and invited a mix of spellers and nonspellers, and kept it ages 26 and up (with two exceptions for family members of dear friends). I wanted a truly inclusive environment, which is not the same as a segregated event only for disabled folks and their families. And I wanted to have a space for us grown-up spellers to get away from childish activities that often come with events for spellers. It was great to see the house and back patio full of friends having a great time! My mom cooked an impressive feast, and my sisters and some guests brought delicious additions. Tara decorated based on my specifications. It looked great!

It was probably the last event we will host in this home. We need to move by March and are already looking for a new home to rent. I have been sad and stressed about it, but this party raised my spirits and helped me bask in gratitude for having been able to live here and share this beautiful place with friends. It was a magical evening, with good food, spooky music, fun costumes, and friends enjoying carving pumpkins and eating and hanging out. I also had an aura reading booth, and got to dramatically read the auras of guests with the help of my aye-aye assistant. I had the best time.

I am so tired but so happy. What a glorious day! This will cheer me up during tough times for a long time to come.

Your Friend,

Danny