Who says you can't buy love..

One of the unusual features of Delaney's autism is her fascination with certain objects. As a small child, she was completely obsessed by wooden spoons and umbrellas, as she aged, she was fascinated by horse leads and dog leashes. Eventually, she realized there was even more fun at the end of the leash, and she became fascinated with dogs.

We got a dog, when Delaney was in grade 3, an adult bichon, who stayed with our family for 4 years, until, due to illness, we had to have her euthanized. Occasionally, Delaney would mention that she missed Scooter, but for the most part, she was easily redirected. Then, one day, in grade 10, I came downstairs to find her sitting on the couch, weeping. "Mommy, I miss my dog." Her face was red and blotchy and it was clear that she had been crying for quite a while.

As we always do, her father and I discussed the acquisition of a dog. And with the go ahead, I started searching. I had a very specific list of "needs." We wanted a fully trained adult dog, small to medium sized who would not be bothered with our 3 cats, and vice versa.

I started watching the classifieds, checked regularly at the SPCA and put out feelers on Craigslist. And no, I wasn't willing to send $500.00 for a Yorkie we had never met.

In October, I was directed to Petfinder.com and from there, a local rescue organization, Pawsitive Match. I was delighted to find that not only did they have several good candidates, they would also allow us a 2 week trial to ensure that the arrival of a dog would not send our home into a tailspin.

After much discussion with the rescue group, it was suggested that we "try" Katie, a black and white cocker spaniel. I didn't want to give Delaney false hope, so on the Sunday of the Thanksgiving weekend, we drove downtown to visit with "my friend" and her dog. Delaney and her sister took turns walking Katie in the small courtyard of the apartment. It was love at first sight for Delaney, but the big challenge would be coming to our house, and I arranged that for the next Friday. A two week trial!

I told Delaney that we would be 'babysitting' Katie, and she was thrilled. She was at school when I brought Katie home, but hurdle number one was cleared quite easily when Katie entered the house, walked over to the three cats (who were sleeping near the oven), sniffed them quickly and walked away. There was no barking, no hissing although I think the cats considered the arrival "a bad dream."

When Delaney arrived home she could barely contain herself, and Katie was quite happy to allow Delaney to shower her with hugs and kisses. And while Katie preferred to spend time with me, it was agreed that she would sleep with Delaney in her bedroom.

I've never seen a broader smile on Delaney than the night she took Katie up to bed. I listened with my ear to the door as Delaney chattered excitedly to her much loved dog.

After 16 years of being the focus of intensive therapy and constant attention to help her through her autism, Delaney finally had to opportunity to give, instead of take.

Her absolute love for her dog was never more evident than in this letter to Santa from Christmas 2007

"Dear Santa
Delaney wants a sweater, hoody, jewellery box and box for a ring. Make sure you get my Christmas gift on Christmas night when I am asleep. Kiatie wants a Christmas coat and a pear of snow shoes. Merry Christmas and Happy new year Love from Delaney and Kaite and my family. Cats, fish my mom, my sister and my dad."

(all spelling and punctuation as she has written)


Sometimes when I look at Katie as she dozes peacefully (well, when she isn't snoring) on the floor, or curled up next to the cats, I wonder what ever happened that a lovely little soul like her could end up as a rescue dog. And then I realized that she and Delaney are kindred spirits. For like Delaney, Katie is a magical creature, but it takes time and patience to realize what a treasure she is. How sad for those who don't take the time to love the Katies and Delaneys of this world.

ROAD TRIP!!!!

We gave Delaney tickets for Emerson Drive, Terri Clark and Big and Rich in Red Deer as part of her Christmas gift. The stretch of highway between Calgary and Red Deer can be treacherous, so I booked us in at the Holiday Inn where the Red Arrow bus stops and I became a weathernetwork.com addict. My plan was to take the bus, if the roads were going to be bad.

As I am wont to do, I ended up with 2 extra tickets to the show (I had already bought one set, and "went back in" for a second Ticketmaster visit and got better seats.) I gave the second set to my friend Tara, who in turn, invited Isabelle, from Red Deer.

It was a bright sunny day as we headed up the highway to Red Deer, sadly, I was not in great shape, just starting my second day of penicillin and fighting a viscious cold. I really would have liked to cancel but in my back pocket I had a special surprise for Delaney. A "meet and greet" with Emerson Drive.

We arrived at the Centrium at 6:00 and I was surprised to see a large number of fans who had been selected for the "meet and greet." I started chatting with a couple of 18ish looking girls who seemed to know their way around. Yes, they did. This was about their 4th "meet and greet" with the band. In fact, they were following them to each city on their Alberta tour. As much as I want to support Delaney's love of country music, I'm not sure I'm ready for that commitment!

At 6:15 we were whisked back stage for the "meet and greet" which was really a photo op. And, the Delaney's ear to ear grin as she snuggled with Brad Mates was worth the many pieces of lung I lost on the way up!

We loved Emerson Drive's and Terri Clark's sets. Of course, I had to hold back tears as Terri sang "No Fear," which was used as a theme song for Special Olympics.

Perhaps the highlight of Delaney's evening (well, next to meeting the band) was the arrival for Tara and Isabelle, and their claiming the as yet, vacant seats next to us. For much of the night, I had been barely vertical, and almost immobile, save for the occasional uncontrollable coughing fit. I sat quietly as Delaney swayed to the music.

However, our placid evening was about the be blown wide open by the arrival of these two ladies. Within moments, Delaney was up, dancing and swaying with my friends, and I watched happily as she got a chance to be "one of the girls," a rare experience indeed.

Frankly, she was having such a blast, I could probably have flopped right off my seat and she would have continued on dancing with her friends.

We snuck out early, I wanted to beat the traffic and we would have had a substantial head start had I not gotten lost in the parking lot. And, my worse fears had been realized. It was snowing.

Back at the hotel, she collapsed, exhausted into bed, while I worried all night about driving home on icy roads. We were up early, and I had hoped for a warm, relaxing bath before tackling the highway. However, it appeared that the hot water was on holiday at the Holiday Inn, so we packed up and headed south, for a thankfully, uneventful, white knuckle drive home.

Terri Clark No Fear

I used to hit every wall there was
I used to run away from love
All I ever wanted was right here
But I had to reach way down inside
I had to have faith I find
No fear


http://emersondrive.musiccitynetworks.com/

http://www.terriclark.com/site.php

http://www.bigandrich.com/

In the Presence of Keith Urban

Our time with Keith was brief. First we saw a quick video about the tour and then Keith performed, for our small, intimate group, the selection, Sister Golden Hair. Delaney sat directly in front of him, on a small stool. If she had leaned forward, she could have touched his knee. But for the first time ever, I saw Delaney shy.

She would not look directly at Keith. She would turn her head to the side and cover her face with her hand.

After the performance, Keith promised a Q and A with time for "a few questions." Delaney kept telling me "Mommy, I'm going to ask Keith a question, I'm going to ask Keith a question." However, she never got up the nerve. After each question I would encourage her, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Finally Keith said "we have time for one more question." And, he acknowledged a hand at the back. I was a bit sad that Delaney didn't take advantage of the opportunity, but that's just Delaney.

Then, amazingly, Keith looked down at her and asked "What about you, darlin', didn't you want to ask me something." Like an idiot and completely inappropriately, I started to cry, and Delaney, beaming ear to ear, asked Keith about his tour bus. I don't remember his entire answer, I only recall being in awe of the fact that he would take the time to notice Delaney and extend his kindness to asking her a question.

From there, we were whisked outside for a picture and off to the concert.

I have never seen Delaney so happy in her life. I divided my time between watching Keith on stage, and enjoying Delaney's reactions to the show. Sadness crept in from time to time, and I missed my girlfriend, and thought of how much she would have enjoyed the show. I bet there's Keith Urban music in heaven, and I know she's there.

http://www.keithurban.net/site.php

The Most Exciting Day of Delaney's Life

Sometime in the spring of 2006 it was announced that Keith Urban's tour would stop in Calgary. We weren't able to acquire our shared Calgary Flames seats for the show, but I was already a "Monkeyville" member, so I hit the presale with a vengeance. Sadly, the presale tickets were second tier, as were the presale tickets I got the next day at the radio presale. By the time the dust settled, I had 3 sets of 2 tickets, 4 tickets for Tuesday night and 2 tickets for Wednesday night, and none of them were great seats. However, I had a plan.

There was a Ticketmaster auction offering 2 front row tickets and a "Backstage Experience" with Keith. My husband and I knew that that would be the highlight of Delaney's life. So, we began bidding. Some 7 days later, and a significant chunk of change, we were declared the "winners." Bob and I agreed that we could NOT tell Delaney about the news or she would harrass us Delaney for the next six months.

In the meantime, I started sorting out recipients for the remaining 6 tickets. I would attend with my girlfriend and my girlfriend's daughter would attend with Delaney's sister, and I donated 2 tickets to a charity auction.

When we won the auction, I had emailed Ticketmaster to request a 3rd backstage pass so I could watch Delaney's excitement as she met her hero, Keith. I never heard a word, nor did I have any communication with Ticketmaster regarding the times or the when and how of the meet and greet.

In June, tragedy struck, and my 40 something girlfriend died, suddenly and expectedly while getting ready for work. I was devastated. I couldn't imagine attending the concert without her, and offered my tickets to a friend in Edmonton.

As the show date neared, and I still had no details of the meet and greet, I contacted local radio mega-talent and super nice guy, Doug Veronelly, who promised he was ask around for details, and I continued to call Ticketmaster. Finally, on the day of the show, I got confirmation that our tickets and three, that's right THREE backstage passes would be held for us at willcall.

I couldnt' wait to watch Delaney's reaction to meeting Keith, but there I was, with no ticket to the show. However, the wonderful staff at Ticketmaster found me a single seat, about 6 rows up, where not only did I get an amazing view of Keith, I could also very clearly see Bob and all of Delaney's reactions during the show.

Because it's difficult for Delaney to wait for long periods of time, I decided that I would go early and pick up the tickets and wait for her to arrive, closer to event time, with Bob. We sat and chatted as we waited for the show, of course she still has no idea about the meet and greet. About 20 minutes before the rendezvous I spotted Doug Veronelly. I hadn't met him before, but I wanted to thank him for all his kindness in helping me track down our meet and greet details.

"Come on, Delaney, let's go meet Doug Veronelly from Country 105."

I introduced myself, and Delaney and Veronelly smiled and said "and you must be Delaney, and you get to meet Keith Urban." Of course, this was the first she had heard of this surprise. For a moment, she was speechless, and then she thanked him profusely for the opportunity. Smiling, he gently told her it was her mom and dad who had arranged this wonderful treat.

Then we were whisked off to our audience with Keith.

Corb Lund at the Jack Singer

Small venue, my show but I was pleased as punch. I'm a big fan of this Alberta guy, especially "The Truck Got Stuck." We had great seats, stage left, about 5 rows up, and except for the gaggle of women behind us, who talked through the first set, the show was perfect.

Corb's got a great sense of humour, and while Delaney enjoyed the music, I chuckled often at his banter between sets.

Corb and his band are touring in the winter/spring of 2008, we're seeing them again on their Calgary stop, hopefully we can get a picture next time!!

http://www.corblund.com/

George Canyon, a Gentle Man of Country Music

The division of "concert labour" has generally been that Bob will take Delaney to the Saddledome for shows, and I handle the smaller venues like the Corral and Jubilee Auditorium.

So it was that we took in George Canyon's show at the Jube. I was exhausted and not feeling great, but as she always does, Delaney's exuberance drew me alone. Somewhere during the show, and seemingly for only a nanosecond, a notice of a "meet and greet" after the show flashed on the screen behind George.

Being the great reader she is, Delaney noticed the message and talked about nothing else for the balance of the show. Fighting my fatigue, I told her we would leave at the second last song, to secure a place "early" in the line. She was okay with that. We ended up about 5th in line, and Delaney bought a picture of George, so she could get an autograph.

We waited about 10 minutes after the close of the show for Mr. Canyon to appear, and when he did, he commanded complete attention, he's a big, big man, with a mile wide smile and a very shiny jacket!!

I smiled as he greeted the 3 or 4 people in front of us, they were wheelchair users and George was kind enough to step out from behind his table and give each one a hug. When it was our turn, Delaney gingerly handed her picture to George and he remarked on her "George Canyon Hat". While she didn't say much, Mr. Canyon was very perceptive, recognizing Delaney's condition, and in a heartbeat he said, "you know, darlin', I think you deserve a hug." And suddenly, there she was, with George Canyon wrapped around her. Sadly, my first generation cell phone is cameraless, so all I have is the memory of this special moment.

http://www.georgecanyon.com/

Canadian Country Music Awards

One of Delaney's first country shows was the CCMAs held in Calgary. I ordered tickets fairly late, because her fascination with country was new to me. Delaney went with her dad and had a blast. They had pretty good seats, however, Delaney thought she should be on the floor, with the artists and their families.

Though not a country fan, my husband was particularly impressed by host Paul Brandt, and George Canyon.

Delaney, well, she loved them all.

She Went Country....

Not long after I discovered her "crumping" I found her downstairs watching a different type of music. I don't recall if it was Alan Jackson or Toby Keith, but she was fully engaged. I'm not sure how long she had been watching CMT, but she had a pretty good grasp of who was who, and what song which album was from.

She was sitting on the couch, both feet on the floor, just enjoying the music. And as I listened, I found how refreshing and meaningful the lyrics were, compared to the bling ridden gangsta stuff she had previously been a fan of.

Soon, I found myself watching country music with her, and I became a fan of the artists, and the music, but mostly of the sentiment. Country music spoke of honour, love, honesty, family and loyalty.

Thank Goodness for Country Music

We always knew Delaney was passionate about music. She would spend most of her TV time watching MuchMusic. She knew all the artists and their songs, and, she even had a limited knowledge of who was dating who. Her father likes to tell the story their trip to the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. It was a VIP package that we had purchased, and the trip included a stretch limo ride to the awards. He tells how she strode toward the limo and sat comfortably with the 4 or 5 big linebacker types, who were draped in bling, and discussed the merits of Beyonce and Destiny's Child.

Unfortunately, along with the words and the music came the dance, I have to say I was more than mildly concerned when I found her, in front of the TV, "crumping" to the music. It was a bit unsettling to see her gyrating, with such skill.