Mothers' Day and Adrian

Our adult autistic son turns forty later this year. He lives in a group home with another autistic adult, about twenty minutes from our home. He is very well looked after there. The home is run by a Jewish organisation, established to take care of Jewish people with developmental disabilities. Fortunately, the organisation does also admit non-Jewish people, such as Adrian with his United Church of Canada background.

On Mother's Day he gave Anne, his mother, two gifts and a card. The plate above was hand-painted and signed by Adrian. The Hydrangers will be planted when the weather improves here in Ottawa, though Anne and I have not agreed yet on the location of the planting.

Adrian's card reads as follows:

"Mom, you've always been there... cheering me on, loving me for who I am and who I can be. You are simply one of the most important people in my life. Happy Mother's Day, with love."

Adrian then added his own personal message:

"Love, Adrian Toft. Gift, $35.00. Mom