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® 0 49 49 49 40 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 47 from Point A to Point B through the use of his power chair. “Devon understood the process and value of assisting others,” she says. “It’s a two-way street; he helps those who have helped him and it’s great social exposure for Devon.” According to Bob and Heather, it was crucial that Devon be raised in a normal environment. “It was important that Devon learned to work everyday and volunteer with charities and community ents.” He worked on parking duty for the annual “Dragon Boat Fes- tival” and he volunteers regu- larly for “Aquarama” and Ro- tary. “We wanted people to see Devon for all the things he could do and not the things he wasn’t able to do.” Sheri Smith was Devon's caretaker for about ten years throughout his early childhood and she agrees that it was im- portant for Devon to get out and experience a variety of different was just four years old and she often accompanied him to sum- mer camp, the YMCA and sport- ing activities, such as swimming. She says she always marveled at how quickly and easily Devon familiarized himself with new ted to every activity that the other children were involved in... he was always a part of the group says Sheri. “In fact, Devon was always in the forefront and I was often just tagging along making new friends along with him. Devon gave me the gift to appreciate all the little things that I’m so lucky to be able to do... former caregiver Sheri Smith Ona personal level Sheri credits Dev- on as having taught her more about life then anyone else could have. “He gave me the gift to appreciate all the little things that I am so lucky to be able to do. Something as small as getting out of bed on my own and brushing my teeth. These are all the things that most people take for granted.” “Because of him I live each day as full as possible. This is the example he sets for others. I just want to say thank you to him for what he has given to me,” she concluded. Devon has certainly proved his defi- ance against his disability. Amanda ex- Devon with his caretaker Amanda Hill during his mail route deliveries. Plains that many people are surprised s all of the tasks and chores that Devon carries out everyday. For in- stance, if a store is not wheelchair acces- sible, Devon stands up from his chair and ito the store so that he can deliver his mail personally. also commits himself to daily workouts that help keep his legs in tip- top shape. Aside from his exercise, Devon spends his days working voluntarily at Canadian Tire. With the help of his assis- tant, Amanda, he is able to stock shelves and clean the facility. And before he can tire from his morning routine at Cana- We wanted people to see Devon for all the things he could do — not the things he wasn’t able to do... Heather Haliburton-Smith dian Tire, he’s off to Queen Street for his afternoon mail delivery. As Amanda says, “It’s amazing to see Devon at work.” However, in his free time there is nothing Dev- on loves more than listen- ing to music. Amanda can’t help but smile when Devon stops right outside of “Love of Joe” while delivering the mail. “He loves to stop and listen to the jazz music playing outside the shop,” she ex- plains. She laughs before adding that it often takes quite a lot of encourage- ment to get Devon to con- tinue past the restaurant. But he always continues on his duties - and with a smile of course! Devon's smile is res- joy and happiness that he brings is truly inspira- tional. He has walked his friend and prior assistant down the aisle on her wed- ding day. He has encour- aged businesses to donate to the Rotary Club for Easter Seals, which provides funds for wheelchairs, special strollers, leg braces and other orthopedic devices. But, more than anything else, he has shown the community that it’s pos- sible to triumph over any obstacle in life. So, tonight as he sits outside enjoying his music, much of Devon's battle seems to be behind him. Now he can be proud of all the wonderful things he has accom- plished and look forward to the opportu- nities that lie ahead for him. Photos and story by Christina Coughlin Focus on Scugog 49 49 49 49 42 49 49 49 49 47 47 website: www.focusonscugog.com AUGUST.FOCUS.40 Pgs.indd 11 ® FOCUS - AUGUST 2008 11 renne s045:1900 |