A very small corner

On a sunny Sunday this year in mid September we took on a small corner of the world. Right around the corner of Park Ave and Pleasant Street to be exact.

Courtesy of Seven Hills, Sam shared a table with several other artists at stART on the Street selling the note cards and drawings he’s been producing for the last couple of years.

It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. The Park Avenue was filled with shoppers and street vendors. The neighborhood was alive: bands, people and the scent of foods all vying for attention. It was questionable how Sam will tolerate an environment so complex. There was a time when none of this would have been even possible.

But over the years when opportunity presented, we’ve tried. And we tried again. Taking baby steps. Sometimes lasting a few minutes, sometimes longer. Bit by bit we made progress, though sometimes it was near impossible to see.

This was Sam’s most successful venture ever. Many people stopped by to chat with Sam, see his artwork – some even making purchases. Nearly all were complete strangers to us, buying either because they liked Sam’s cause or maybe his smile or his artwork. In a best case, they might have liked all three. He raised a fair amount of money for charity, too. In all it was a perfect afternoon.

I thought of the days when every venue was a challenge, those were the days of meltdowns and awkward stares. I am so proud of Sam. He's come so very far. It didn't happen over night; we still have a long way to go. Sure, there will be challenging days ahead. But so much is possible, isn't it.

PS: Sam will be at the Millbury Council on Aging Center, One River Street, Millbury, MA on Saturday, November 10, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM selling his note cards and drawing… all proceeds going to charity. Stop by and visit us!

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BlendingWithAutism