Who is that young man in the photos and videos?
Have I got your attention yet? After my white balance video tutorial, I got several emails asking me about Shawn, aka Little Man. One person even said he stole the show! I should have introduced him first to help people understand my relationship with him, and why he is in some of my photos and videos.
Now, all will be revealed!
Shawn is a special needs young man who I care for. It’s not a hard thing to do, but some days it’s a 24-hour job! Shawn is 23 and has various challenges in his life. He wears leg braces, and a back brace most of the time, rides in a wheelchair for long distances, but overall he is very happy and healthy.
He’s not my son, but I’m his person.
Shawn is non-verbal, but he’s not afraid to make noise with his big loud voice, and he communicates his needs very well. For example, if he wants to play ball, he’ll take you to where the ball is. If he’s happy, he’ll laugh really loud, bounce up and down, and not hold back. When he wants the TV remote — well he’s a guy — and like all guys he always wants the TV remote.
Because Shawn is such an integral part of my life, it’s really hard for me to draw special attention to him. But I guess to someone who doesn’t know him, he does look and sound quite different than most people. I sometimes forget that. I didn’t want to make this a feel sorry for me and my sad life post. Our life isn’t sad and I don’t want you to feel sorry for us. I just don’t have the same freedoms most people my age have. My life is probably similar to people who have small kids. I can’t take off when I want to, unless I can take Shawn along, or get a sitter. I like to take him along though, especially to live music and art gallery events, because he loves to be out in the community and around people. He loves live music! I think if he was typical, he’d be a gifted musician.
What I learn by living with Shawn
I’ll be the first to admit that Shawn drives me crazy at times too. I sometimes get frustrated that I don’t have a lot of time to work on my business because of the amount of attention he needs and the amount of time his care takes. But Shawn also makes me stop and just be in the moment, whether that’s a quiet moment, or a really crazy playful one. That’s important.
This video officially introduces you to Shawn . . .
. . . he’s unusually shy though. I think he knew this was going to be put online for the world to see. When he watches it though, he laughs and hollers. I guess I should record that!
Let me know what you think in the comments, and expect to see even more of Shawn in future posts.
p.s.
Do you have a special assistant in your life? Let me know in the comments.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 18 comments }
Hey Marlene,
Just thought I’d stop by and say that I love this post. Shawn seems like such a happy guy! Glad we all got to meet him!
Yes, Shawn’s happiness is infectious, and there is never a dull moment around here! Thanks for your comment.
You did a great job, Marlene! You are good at ad lib altho’ I’m sure you basically planned the video but with the unexpected, you react well. I’m going to sheep dog trials tomorrow. I hope to get a couple of good pictures.
Well Sarah, therein lies the secret: Plan it so well that it looks like ad lib! In all honesty I would say it was half and half.
I would have loved to have said things a little differently in some spots, but I find it hard to script these things, mostly because I don’t like to write and I get stalled if I have to write something before doing a task. (Not the best trait for a blogger!) I didn’t want to put it off any longer, so I just did it.
Lovely introduction, and you both did well! Thanks to both of you for sharing a bit of your life.
Thanks Pamela. You should see the blooper roll!
OMG, I’m so glad you made this video! Thank you for sharing this adorable young man with us. Yay!
Love the video of you and Shawn – beautiful job Marlene! Haven’t delved into the photography tutorials yet but planning to do that when the snow flies – too many unfinished “fall” jobs to do outdoors!! : )
Thanks Miki. Yes you need to be outdoors as much as possible. Save the online learning for the dark months.
I loved the video, and the headline! I can relate to the challenges you face, as I have a brother who is mentally challenged. It takes a lot of work and patience, and I tip my hat to you for taking on this most incredible journey with Shawn.
Glad you enjoyed it Deborah. Yes, life is challenging at times, but rewarding too. Thanks for letting me know about your brother.
WOW! I finally got around to watching this after Arlene told me about it a little while ago….and l cried. It is so well done!
Shawn is the best and you are right he does bring out the best in people.
Janice
Hi Marlene! It was nice to meet Shawn. He is a very interesting little man and he is so lucky to have you in his life. I think you are right it is works both ways – challenges in our life brings out the best of us. For you it happens to be a Shawn. He loves you – you are his world!!!!
Victoria, Thank you for watching the video and for your wonderful comments.
Marlene,
Beautiful introduction to Shawn. He is so sweet!! It was so cute to watch him interact, be shy, but then listen to you tell about what he likes to do. You are both so lucky to have each other in your lives, and to record everything through the love of photography and videos!
Thanks for your comments Christina. The great thing about Shawn is that it takes very little to make him happy. Eating good food, playing a little catch, getting fresh air and listening to music are all he needs to have a really good day. That’s a reminder for all of us!
Hi SHAWN!!!!! Nice to meet you! I just have to say that you did a wonderful job on camera!!! I hope I get to bounce with you sometime~
Thanks Shannon! Shawn says Hello back!
{ 1 trackback }