I spoke to a customer on the phone yesterday for about 20 minutes or so. It began as usual with questions about FATWHEELS & bikes and parts and prices. Nothing special until I asked – “what is your daughter’s name?” This is when the interaction turned personal. This is when Mom told me that her “baby” has autism.
As we began to get “real” with one another, I learned that her 8- year-old was non-verbal, was full of spunk, had several meltdowns a day and still wouldn’t sleep in her own bed at night. I also learned that Mom was TIRED.
As we chatted back & forth, I told her about my 22- year-old son and some of the struggles that we have gone through over the years. I re-assured her that it gets better. They grow and things change. There is hope and you won’t always be so tired.
The bond was instant. The exchange was conversational and yet so deeply personal in a way that only parents of children with special needs can understand.
As I hung up the phone, I silently thanked God for the opportunities that He lays before me each and every day to love on and to be loved on by other parents traveling the same road that I am. My customers are SO much more than that. I see them as comrades, fellow sojourners, my people – MY TRIBE.
Until next time,
Colleen
I received my two order Fatwheels for my autism twins. They stop riding a year because they outgrow their bike and I was not able to find something they could ride for 9 years with training wheels. The links below is for YouTube videos riding, thank you.
https://youtu.be/BL6wA70KP90
https://youtu.be/KgNNol_6rzE
Thank you so much for sending me these videos! Many apologies for my late response! Just seeing them now…. AMAZING! These made me cry! Best to you and your family……..
My son has hearing loss in one ear, called single-sided deafness. Due to this, his balance is off. He could not ride bikes with his buddies after he outgrew his small bike that had training wheels. I thought we were just going to be out of luck this year…until seeing your website! My son is a new kid, with a new positive outlook since getting his fatwheels! THANK YOU so much!!!!!
-Anne
Thanks for sharing this Anne – I would LOVE to see a picture of your kiddo out on his bike!
I want to thank you for giving my stepson the opportunity to feel included in being able to ride a bike, we are from Calgary, AB CANADA and had purchased the large fat wheels for my stepson Francis. He has autism so his ability for balance and the coordination to ride a bike is hard for him.
He’s hit so many mile stones in life, such as being able to speak sentences and amazes us everyday. I could not be more happier with this purchase. I have searched and searched for things that would work for him but he is just to big for a tandem co pilot or a trail a gator. He is 11 years old turning 12 this year. To be able to find something that he can use as he grows is amazing.
I had taken him out today to try and teach him the basics of peddling, braking and steering. He has slowly gotten the hang of it, still need to practice a bit more but practice makes perfect.
His smile says it all the freedom he feels being able to ride a bike. We will have him continue to practice on peddling the right way slowly turning on a bike and steering.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, to see the joy on his face almost had me in tears.
Thank you for your comments Kathy! It is interactions like these that keep us going over here! Sitting here with a tear in my eye and a big smile on my face! Best to you and your family!