People are sometimes surprised that Max can sing, given his challenges with talking. As with his speech, maybe it doesn't sound typical but then, typical is in the eye of the beholder. He really enjoys it, especially when he makes up songs about favorite things and activities including fire trucks, going to camp, bowling, fire trucks, Disney Cruises, fire trucks and fire trucks. Did I mention fire trucks?
I've found a music teacher to help him prepare for his bar mitzvah ceremony, which I am putting together based more on what's meaningful to Max than tradition. They'll be creating lyrics for a song he'll sing as she plays guitar (sung to the tune of his favorite YouTube video, "Fire truck! Fire truck! I want to ride in a fire truck!" and I am NOT responsible if you listen to it and you can't get it out of your head). She's also teaching him to sing a prayer, along with a welcome song, Uri Uri. Oh, how I love the refrain:
Cause you've got the music in your soul
This world needs to hear your song
They sure do—and understand that his singing is as beautiful as any child's.
I was thinking about this after a recent session with Max's music therapist when they sang "When You Wish Upon a Star." Max loves it because it reminds him of being on a Disney Cruise (that's one of the melodies the horns play). I like it, too, and I am not a person who's typically into syrupy songs. I still remember seeing Pinocchio for the first time as a kid, so I get a sentimental when I hear it. It also has special meaning as the parent of a kid with disabilities because I have many wishes for Max.
I watched his rendition and oh, my heart. (Skip ahead to minute 1:00 if you don't care to hear Max communicate to Amanda that he is going on the Disney Magic, which he is not.) The video may not be safe for work if this song makes you misty-eyed, too. Maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones. Or not.
