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Cookies and Cars: One Way to Happiness
Recently at Night to Shine, I had the pleasure of sitting at the same table with this former student and her provider. She is a high school graduate and has done some amazing things since graduation. One great accomplishment is she has started a cookie business thanks to the genius entrepreneurial thinking of her mom. This mom recognized that her daughter’s fine motor skills were diminishing during COVID-19, and a friend of hers was teaching cookie-making lessons on Facebook. She thought this would be a great way for her daughter to practice fine motor skills and this girl loves baking. She created a video on her mom’s Facebook page and after a short time, she earned enough money to purchase a top-line mixer to further enhance the success of the cookie-making business.
The cookie business name is Fi’s Cookies and is located in Medina, Ohio. I can tell you from personal experience Fi’s Cookies are delicious. Beautifully decorated sugar cookies show that her fine motor skills have improved to the level of professional status. The cookies are individually packaged and can be personalized to fit any occasion, from birthday parties to graduation events and everything in between. You can learn more on her Facebook page, Fi’s Cookies. If you click on the pink Fi’s Cookies icon, you will be able to order cookies. They are beautiful and delicious.
Q: What is one thing you wish teachers know about your child that is not on the IEP?
A: When Fiona wants to be, she’s fun, loving caring, and outgoing. She loves to make new friends and be the center of attention. But she doesn’t always want to.
Q: Scores on tests do not define the child. What is something your child is really good at that is not reflected on tests?
A: Fiona is smart-witted and has some pretty good one-liners. She’s able to make people laugh and finds joy in being helpful (when she wants to be :))
Q: How important is homework for your child? Is it just a burden, or is it a helpful learning tool?
A: gosh homework is the WORST! I was thankful Fiona didn’t have to have any homework knowing she was working hard all day on just existing in a typical world. In middle school, she was integrated into typical classes and they would send home homework for her. It was a lesson for both her and I. I didn’t know how to help and was feeling unable to support her in Fiona’s frustrating times when trying to meet homework expectations. Thankfully that didn’t last long…
Q: How old was your child when you first knew he/she had special needs?
A: Being a preemie I kept my eyes open for delays but was smacked in the face with them when I took her for her 9-month photo shoot. She wasn’t able to lay on her belly and keep her head up. I took her to a clinic and the doctor told me there wasn’t anything to worry about. When he left the nurse said, “Trust your gut, get a second opinion. From one mom to another, he’s wrong.” She changed our lives just by one comment.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone who has a newly diagnosed child?
A: Find your tribe. The special needs community has a variety of families, friends, and support out there. Just like our kids, we can not be driven into one file of special needs. All kids have needs. Just because ours is labeled special, doesn’t mean the worst. Some labeled gifted have struggles too. It’s just what cards were handed to us and how we choose to make the best of it.
Q: What is one meal that everyone in your family likes to eat?
A: Fiona cooks once a week for us. And we all love her Tortellini Casserole
Q: What activities do you recommend to other parents to foster self-care?
A: Walks, working out, gardening, going out to dinner with my husband. Find a provider. Having a provider has given me so much time back to myself.
Q: Are there any support groups that you recommend for parents or children?
A: Not really. Just to find a tribe. Not so much a support group. You can find so many resources by just talking with like-minded parents.
Q: What are your favorite family activities?
A: Our lives revolve around Fiona’s activities, lol. She’s very involved with Special Olympics. Basketball in the fall and winter, softball in the summer, and equestrian in the spring. In the middle of that, she works, bakes cookies, and is in an improv group. If we are not running around for her activities, you can find us resting on the back porch, visiting car shows, or watching movies.
Q: What advice do you have for interacting with children with special needs?
A: Be patient, remember they’re only trying to understand how to learn outside of our norm. Find what works even if it’s different from the norm.
One of my greatest joys with this blog journey has been watching former students grow and thrive in the community. They have found their paths, and it is such a pleasure to shine a light on all their accomplishments. For this girl, it is gratifying to see her gain confidence in her skills and find new ways to connect with other people. She loved to be a helper in my class and always loved the times we would cook as part of the occupational therapy time in my class. My daughter would come into my class as part of the occupational therapy team and work with my class. When we did Time to Dine with 109, this girl was a huge help and loved the activity. Knowing she has her own cookie business makes me beyond proud of her.
The advice this mom gives about finding your tribe is something everyone should take to heart. For this family, finding the tribe of Special Olympics has led to so many great opportunities and chances to grow and flourish. It has led to activities in basketball, softball, and horseback riding. To give back to the Medina County Special Olympics a car show was created. This will be the third year of the event. It is called Fiona’s Car Show Benefitting The Medina County Special Olympics. This fun event is held this year on June 8th, 2024 from 10 am to 3 pm. It will be at the back of Windfall School at 4691 Windfall Road in Medina, Ohio. With food trucks, a vendor fair, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and any make or model car, it is a day well spent, knowing that you are helping a great cause. I am happy to announce that I will be there at the car show as a vendor, signing and selling my book.
They found their tribe, and I am so thankful that I have been able to witness all the wonderful benefits of that tribe for this family. No matter what your child’s interests are, when you find a sport, a club, or a group of people of like minds, you will find your tribe.
There are ways you can support this girl and her efforts to make this world a better place. Order her cookies for your next event, or attend her car show and see some cool cars. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Kindness is the greatest wisdom, and you never know when you will find hidden gems like a great cookie company or a car show that benefits Special Olympics.