Float

Allegany State Park, NY

“Float” from Jada Facer

Feel free to press play and let the music accompany you as you read.

For many children on the autism spectrum, birthday parties are a beautiful idea that often happen… without them.

Sometimes the invitation never arrives.

Sometimes the music, the chaos, the flashing lights feel like too much.

On August 17, 2025, Starry Bridge created a different kind of celebration - one that floats.

In collaboration with Toronto’s NorthStar Special Needs Society, we hosted our first large in-person gathering: a breezy summer day filled with kayaking, cake, connection, and joy.

There was no loud music.

No pressure.

No social expectations.

Just fresh air. Paddles dipping into the water. Laughter rising. Potluck meals shared on the shore. Soft teddy bears waiting to be hugged.

And then, rain came.

Not heavy, not harsh - just a cool summer rain washing away the day’s heat. Children ran to greet it, faces lifted, mouths catching drops, clothes drenched in joy.

By afternoon, the sky opened. Clouds split to reveal a slice of blue, and a beam of sunlight lit the grass. The wet ground shimmered, scattering colors back - as if the world itself was celebrating with us.

As the children paddled into the misty lake, I silently wished for each of them:

Keep going. Let the world see your light — just as you are.

But the message was not just for them. It was also for us - the parents, caregivers, and companions walking beside them.

To float is to trust the water will hold you. To rest without fear of sinking. On this day, we all floated. Even the rain, the clouds, and the sunlight reminded us: we are carried, too.

Self-care reflection:

Close your eyes. Remember the cool touch of summer rain. Picture the sunlight breaking through clouds, scattering color across the ground. Breathe in the moment. Let yourself float.