From Tokyo to the Olympic Podium: Lessons in Loyalty, Strength, and Listening

 ✨Encounter with an Olympic Medalist & Diamonds Under Pressure

A couple of weeks ago, a friend was telling a story of how when she was growing up, her father was in the business of mining turquoise. I found it fascinating that her family would sort buckets and buckets of the raw turquoise. Her older brothers would help with the polishing. The polishing was a delicate process. The machine had to be set just right to achieve the high polish of these beautiful colorful stones. Too much pressure and—boom!—they would lose the large stone that could sell for more; it would crack into small pieces. I did not know that about turquoise.

We’ve all heard the saying about coal turning into diamonds, and her turquoise story brought that to mind. Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of hosting a true diamond! In a group of empty nesters, we had the honor of hearing from Josh Wheeler—a three-time Paralympic silver medalist in wheelchair rugby, who competed in Paris (2024), Tokyo (2020), and Rio de Janeiro (2016). His journey to the Paralympics was fascinating, but what impressed me most was not just his athletic achievements, but his humility, openness, and the deep faith and inner strength that shine through everything he does.

As I listened to him, I couldn’t help but think about you—amazing parents who, day after day, show the same kind of faith and inner strength as you raise and love your children. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering love may not be celebrated in stadiums, but they are every bit as extraordinary. In my eyes, you’ve already earned your own Olympic gold medal.

I had never watched wheel chair rugby, It’s pretty intense! Here’s the link to the final game in case you want to watch it later. Josh is #10 on the USA team.

A Gentle Note 💛

The world can feel so heavy at times—whether through loss or tragedy. These moments remind me why our connections, routines, and family experiences matter so much. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about gathering memories, strengthening bonds, and finding joy together despite the world’s challenges.

🌏 Japan – Explore Tokyo’s best attractions for sensory-friendly travel.

On my Facebook feed this week, I got a “Then & Now” reminder. My heart melted when I saw my young kids in front of the Osaka Castle in Japan. Coincidentally, Josh Wheeler competed against Japan for the gold during the Paris Paralympic Games, so I just had to root for both teams! I absolutely love Japan, so this month I will go a little deeper on my favorite Japanese cities!

Is Japan sensory friendly? ✅
Absolutely yes! The quiet, respectful culture offers a sense of peace and respect everywhere you go. Even in the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you can enjoy quiet moments. Yes, trains get packed during rush hours, so just plan to travel during non-rush hours.

Top 5 Attractions in Tokyo:

1. Tokyo Disneyland / Disney Sea – We loved this unique Disney park! Rated highly for families and immersive experiences for kids and adults alike. Link

2. Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Tokyo’s oldest temple, with vibrant market streets (Nakamise) perfect for souvenirs and snacks. Link

3. Meiji Shrine – A peaceful shrine nestled in a forested area near Harajuku, offering cultural insights and spacious grounds. Link

4. Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue – An iconic intersection and meeting place that showcases modern Tokyo’s vibrant energy. This may be a little overstimulating with lots of flashing lights and noise. Map & Tips

5. Tokyo Sky tree- For impressive views of the city https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

Final Tips for a Family Journey:

• Plan Ahead: Make reservations for popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea

• Flexibility: With young kids, allow for extra breaks and downtime.

• Explore Locally: Hidden gems often become the most memorable parts of a trip!

💡What Speaks Louder Than Words?

In Shibuya, Tokyo, there is a statue of Hachiko, a loyal Akita dog whose story has touched people worldwide. Every day, for years—even after his owner had passed away—Hachiko waited faithfully at the train station. His story is one of incredible routine, love, and loyalty. Imagine if Hachiko had a collar like “Dug” from the movie Up that could translate his thoughts—what would he tell us?

Thinking about that, I remembered a story I read about researchers at Stanford University, who have developed a brain-implantable device that can decode thoughts from speech-impaired patients. Read more here. While this technology is currently designed for people with strokes or other speech impairments, I can’t help but imagine a day when innovations like this could help non-speakers communicate more easily.

This weekend, I attended the Building Bridges Conference: Rethinking Apraxia, Movement, and Communication, and it reinforced the truth of the phrase “Presume Competence.” I met spellers who are absolutely brilliant, and I saw non-speakers using spelling boards to advocate and share powerful messages. I also learned from two incredible professionals:

• Jenna Anderson, a therapist specializing in music, sensory integration, primitive reflexes, functional neurology, and facilitated communication, including spelling to communicate. Learn more here

• Dr. Tanya Polec, the keynote speaker, a vision and balance expert with degrees in optometry and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. See her work here

Here’s my simple invitation:

• Speak directly to non-speakers, not only to their caregivers.

• Look them in the eye, even if their gaze wanders.

• Engage respectfully with any communication tools they use, and ask age-appropriate questions.

These individuals are often incredibly well-read and thoughtful because for years, they’ve been listening. Now, they are speaking up—and we have so much to learn from them!

✨ “This month, I invite you to notice the brilliance around you— in a quiet moment, in a loyal companion, or in a non-speaker finding their voice. Speak directly, listen deeply, and engage with curiosity and respect. And as you plan your next family journey, remember: it’s the shared experiences and memories we create that truly shine.”

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