Toripants

Every day is a new adventure with my Toripants.  And at this point (after almost 10 years of acclimation), I'm pretty much numb and unaffected by the unexpected situations she creates.  For example, a couple of weeks ago, I was called to her classroom because she had stabbed another student with her pencil.  Why?  Because he took it from her.  Many parents might have focused immediately on what measures of discipline to dish out, but my first reaction was analytical..."What were the triggers that set her off?"  Though Tori has transformed from an explosive minefield of a child to quite the refined young lady in her 10 years, I still have to remember that she is affected every day of her life by the repercussions of Asperger's...Social issues.  Communication issues.  Sensory issues....They're always there.

So, imagine my surprise when I found out that Tori was going to sing a solo on stage for Veteran's Day at school.  Tori has always liked to have everyone's attention, she is not shy about performing, and she's always been musical; so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised...but I was.  According to her music teacher, Mrs. Murphy, Tori had to audition for the part.  Mrs. Murphy kept telling me how pretty Tori's voice was and how she had perfect pitch.  Then, another teacher heard her practicing and told me how well she was singing.  I was dubious.  Really?  But she wouldn't sing for me (at all) before the performance.  I just let it go hoping that she knew her stuff...(The "letting go" is another survival skill I've learned from life with Tori.)

Sooooooo, without further ado, here she is (the first time ever singing solo before an audience) performing for our elementary, high school, and visiting community.  (The voice heard in the background is Mrs. Murphy mouthing the words next to me.)