Carson Campbell put his photography skills into practice at the Rebuilding Hope Conference at the Pictou County Wellness Center in October. The opportunity grew out of the Beginner Photography Course he is taking at Summer Street with Jess Earle, who worked alongside him at the event.
Below, we’re sharing a beautiful reflection from Carson’s mom, Kristina MacDonald, about Carson and this experience:
What does it mean to live an ordinary life?
When Carson was not even one year old, I was told by his neurologist that he would never walk, talk, crawl, or even sit independently. I remember leaving that appointment in tears, but I also remember tell that doctor you’re wrong I don’t think so and knowing that I wasn’t going to let someone else decide what my son’s future would look like.
As Carson grew, my approach was always, ‘if other kids could do it why not him?’ And if something didn’t come easy, it was never a question of whether he could do it but HOW could we make this possible.
That didn’t mean there weren’t barriers, obstacles or “no’s” around every corner. There were plenty…. But there were also incredible people who saw possibilities instead of limitations.
I’ll never forget when Carson wanted to play trumpet in the school band. Reading music was a struggle, but instead of saying he couldn’t participate, his band teacher, Ms. Emmy T-c, helped him find another way. She taught him his notes and put a bracelet on one of her wrists so he knew when she raised that hand it was his turn to play. And there he was, performing in band concerts, completely focused, doing something he loved.
And while I've always believed in Carson's abilities, some of the most beautiful moments have come from meeting others who believed in him too. People who saw beyond his disability, recognized his passions and potential, and found ways to open doors rather than close them. People who understood that sometimes all it takes is someone willing to see what's possible.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Rebuilding Hope Conference, where we explored something so simple, yet so powerful: the meaning of an ordinary life.
A home of our own. Choice. Belonging. Friendships. Relationships. Opportunities to contribute, to be valued, and to be recognized for who we are.
Things so many of us take for granted, yet things that aren’t always afforded to individuals living with disabilities.
One of my biggest fears as Carson grew older was what adulthood would look like for him. Would he have opportunities? Friendships? A home of his own? A life filled with purpose and belonging?
But I’ve come to realize something important. It’s not my job to decided what Carson’s life should look like. It’s my job to help him discover what he wants his life to look like and support him in making it happen… finding a way…. opening doors.
Yesterday, Carson attended the conference as the event photographer! Just three weeks into photography classes, I watched him step into a new role, showing that same incredible focus and attention to detail I once saw when he played his trumpet and conducted the band.
And it reminded me that there is still so much about my son that I have yet to discover. So many interests, talents, relationships, and possibilities waiting to unfold.
The conference reminded me of the importance of building connections, opening doors, and creating opportunities for people to be seen as valued members of their communities.
Because an ordinary life isn’t about everyone living the same life… but about everyone having the opportunity to live a life of their own choosing.
And perhaps the greatest thing we can do for our children isn’t to dream up their future for them, but to believe in them, open doors, and give them the freedom to dream bigger than we ever imagined.
-Kristina MacDonald