We are doing a happy dance!!!

[Guest guest]

Oh boy, how amazing is this....

Ever since was little he has been scared stupid of camera's (particularly the flash). He also lacked confidence and would walk into a room of people with his head held low. He has hearing sensitivities which meant that he would also walk in with his hands on his ears.

To give you a pen picture of this.

The last year of Junior school was so scared of cameras and everything else that when the children did a performance in the village hall that they had been practicing for weeks, would be left singing in the kitchen at the other end of the room out of the way - it used to break my heart especially as he has a beautiful pitch perfect voice.

Forward to this day last year 2010, we attended ' Xmas Carol Service which is held in a very large church. It is attended by years 7,8 and 9 children plus parents, teachers etc etc. Well, came in as one of the last children (being held back because he got anxious) lead by the hand. He sat with his head buried in his hands, stressed over potential cameras with ear defenders on. Part way through, when he was lead to the front with the choir he looked at the floor with his eyes closed singing to the floor. He finished the same way he started, by being lead out with his hand held and eyes closed. We considered this an improvement on what had happened in Junior School but obviously there were major issues.

Roll forward twelve months to today and 17 rounds of chelation. (now 14) walked in to the church with his shoulders back, his head held high no hand holding. He sat down and kept just a little eye out for cameras. There was no hands on ears when people clapped. Then he got up, went to the front of the congregation and played Silent Night on the piano with his tutor, part way through being accompanied by the choir!!! To say we were open mouthed was an understatement!!

Apparently, he has also sung solo in Sainsbury's with the choir this week and played the piano at two other events including one where there were massive tv cameras from ITV and BBC.

I know we still have a long way to go and we still have to crack the flash cameras but this is just the best Xmas present we could have possibly had which is why we are doing the happy dance!