One of the things I've never touched on in this blog is how much Raquel responds to music. Certain songs are calming to her. One of our goals is to have her be able to go to her little boom box and push play all on her own when she knows she needs to calm down. Needless to say, we are far from being at this stage so we have to do this for her.
Our neighbor, Toca Rivera, who is actually considered part of our family, travels the world with Jason. A couple months before the new album came out, he brought us the dvd of their first single, "I'm Yours." Gabby, being Toca's biggest fan, must have played that thing a million times and Raquel immediately took to it.
Gabby & Toca (ya think she kinda likes him?)
Raquel & Toca - she loves playing with his jewelry!
Even though the ABA sessions are going really well, there's usually a couple times during the session that she gets extremely frustrated and needs calming. Sometimes, moving on to a different task will distract her. Sometimes bouncing on the fitness ball will work. But when she is unconsolable, it's time to play "I'm Yours." She even has a PECS for the radio. As soon as she hears the start of the song, she immediately stops whining/crying. It's amazing. We take turns dancing with her and by the time the song has ended, she's ready to work again. The other day when Janine was overlapping with Jennifer, the cd was locked in Mike's car and Janine ran out to her car to get her copy - they are all buying the album! And yesterday, at the end of Cari's session, Raquel was able to complete her sitting program by me playing the song. It really is our secret weapon.
Thanks for writing such a great song, Jason! Enjoy listening everyone. The first is the video version and the second is a live show. And don't forget to go buy his latest album, "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things." It's a great, makes you feel good album. Just ask Raquel.
4 comments:
Hey Aunt Nita,
When Lauren shared with me that you posted this song on your blog, I went and read your post. The song has become one of my favorite songs and It's really cool to hear that it's Raquel's too! This song just makes me happy and gets me excited about LIFE. We continue to pray for Raquel and the process that she's going through and we know that GOD has great plans for her. Music has done soo much for me. It serves as therapy for my soul and my heart. I know that as she continues to hear and feel music it'll become a regular therapy for ALL of life. We miss you all sooo much and we hope to get to see you guys soon! Give Mike, Gabby and Raquel hugs from us.
Love,
Steve
Hi Nita
Love it ! Just finished listening to Almost finally out of words. Music Steve put together for Daryl way back when. April 4th 2004.
Charlie
Hi Steve,
Thanks for writing - and I'm glad you like the song! I'm happy that music has such an effect on Raquel at such a young age. I agree with you and feel that it will definitely be an important part of her life. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. It really means a lot to us and please know you that you have ours as well. It's great to see Riley's progress and to talk with Lauren about our similar therapies. We miss you, too. Hugs to everyone!
Love,
Aunt Nita
When you said ABA session, for a second there... anyways.. This is awesome that little Rquel responds to music so well! Music is such an important part of life.
I can't listen to the song (I am at work, grrr) but I will when I get home.
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