July 10

Things were pretty quiet here today. The kids had the day off today and, honestly, I think they would have preferred to get out and work with their dogs! I don't think they did much of anything but sit around and talk and bond with their dogs and each other, which is probably a good thing.
 A chaperone stays with the kids every night and tonight, Eric's son, Nicholi has the honor. Nicholi is the youngest to stay with them so far and I think the kids think he is a rock star! Ryan says he has a great sense of humor and keeps the kids entertained, which is good since the only channels they can seem to find on the TV are in french. Margaret, grandmother to AJ, has to visit the kid's building nightly to administer medicine to him. She commented when she returned that Nicholi was telling the kids stories and they were all laughing and having a good time. Ahhh, it does my heart good!!
Speaking of TV channels, there was a camera crew here yesterday filming a show for Canada's version of Nickelodeon. It was a game show where kids compete and it was the final show of the season. The teams were blindfolded and had to complete a series of tasks in the shortest time to win. Fun to watch and a pretty good lesson in some of the obstacles the blind and visually impaired overcome everday. I am hoping to catch that episode before we leave.
Joanne tells me that there will be several wheelchair bound children coming to Mira tomorrow to train for service dogs. Last week, I watched 7 autistic children receive theirs. This place is amazing. Eric started Mira 30 years ago in his backyard and when I think of how much it has grown and how many lives have benefitted from it, I am overwhelmed and incredibly grateful.
Ok, here are a few more pictures:

AJ, Ryan and Darcie waiting their turn with their dogs.

Ryan and Darcie and their dogs. Sorry so blurry!!