"A Mom’s Perspective on Trailblazers Retreat"

Hi Donna: 

I would just like to thank you for your time participating in the Trailblazers weekend this fall.  William had a fabulous time and hopes to participate in the weekend next year.  He came home realizing he wasn’t so shy and that some people had worse experiences than him. It also helped him to validate his perception of how others felt about him. When he left Thursday night he was unsure of himself but the weekend brought out the best in Will and he came home with some good strategies for life.  

I asked him what he enjoyed most about the weekend and to my surprise he said the discussions.  Especially since he has said to me that he hoped the weekend wasn’t going to be all about talking about our facial differences because he wanted to have fun.  I believe he learned a valuable lesson about himself and learned that talking helps.  He said even though we talk a lot about his cleft at home and he has a sister with a similar cleft, it was different to talk to other people with facial differences. 

It is like a unique connection that no one else, not even a mom can experience in the same light.  I am sure you will be seeing more of Will in the future.

Thank You again
Dianne Archer