Don't let disabilities stop you
A few months ago, I met my new friend Evan. Evan works as a bagger at a grocery store in Midland, Tx. As I spoke with him, I recognized that he is autistic but despite the stigma of autism Evan is quite able to do more than most would think. I asked him if he enjoyed his work and he said that he did but that he also owned his own business and immediately asked for my phone so that he could look up the website (beethelightwithevan.com). Evan also told me that he drives himself to work and is paying for his own car, and that he lives on his own. I was so impressed with this young man that I wanted to learn more about, so I asked for his father's phone number.
I called Evan's father and asked him about Evan's life and how they had been so successful despite Evan's challenges. He talked about school programs, different therapies including equine therapy, support and love from family and community, as well as life skills training at a full-time life skills facility.
The next morning, I looked at the website again and ordered some candles. Within 30 minutes my wife called me and asked me if I had ordered some candles because there was a young man at the front door delivering them. She told me how impressive and enthusiastic he was.
We have since had the opportunity to ride horses, share meals, and just hang out with this amazing young man. He sells his candles at the Midland, Texas farmers market on Saturdays and most of the people who walk by know Evan. His bright friendly personality and positivity has been inspirational.
Our dream at Abilities Ranch is to help facilitate success stories like Evan’s. We really had nothing to do with his education or his personal success, but we are sure glad that he is our friend, and we can learn great lessons about what is possible from him. He is the epitome of our hopes, that we can find what these amazing people can do instead of telling them what they cannot do.
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