Fun is the barometer by which I measure my experiences, long maintaining, 'If you're not having fun, what's the point?' You may quote me.

Motherhood promised the most fun. When my turn at bat arrived, destiny graced me with Luke. My sweet loving son who catapulted into this world too early for comfort; bringing with his premature birth multiple issues that would forever mark his life.

During the most painful points in our journey, fun seemed but a distant memory. Recollections of those heart-wrenching days include an especially poignant moment when I caught myself singing. Thankful that in the midst of difficult times, I found relief, it was then that I first began to see my path toward life, as I knew it.

His challenges were obvious, our future anything but predictable. Yet Luke's attitude was contagious. His exuberance, curiosity, twinkling brown eyes, upbeat, wide- eyed delight about the world permeated everything he did and the hearts of those around him.

Ever the faithful student, I followed Luke's lead. He was having fun and I definitely wanted in on the action. Never before had happiness assumed such a critical role.

The Special Needs Journey is not a straight trajectory: at best one step forward, most likely a half step; then five steps back. It is laced with uncertainty and the stark, somewhat frightening ability to upend any bit of normalcy to which you may cling.

Grabbing normal when it came to vacations, travel and recreation demanded careful calculations. We quickly learned the blessings of being flexible, when, depending on circumstances, Luke would have a change of heart.

Never leaving home without a 'Plan B" led to curiosity about resorts, recreational programs, and travel considerations that specifically catered to families such as ours.

Which makes me exceedingly happy to introduce the designated play area of our site, Passport to Fun, where you can explore the following:

- Vacation Spots
- Travel Tips
- Recreation

And because we are all travel agents of fun, we invite you to enhance our collective passport by submitting your contributions.

Mindful of the many wonderful, creative ideas, suggestions, and recommendations you have, we'd love to hear from you at PassporttoFun@Lambdoodle.com. Our mission is to create a passport filled with as many stamps as possible. Appreciative of your efforts in helping us do just that, we'll respond in a timely manner.

Upon receipt, our curiosity getting the better of us, we'll check it out and post as quickly as possible. The What's New Button on the Home Page will alert you to any new additions.

The Principles of our Passport to Fun area are full proof:

Laughter really is the best medicine; the shortest route to a great giggle is having fun, and none of us is ever too old to play!

I Tried to Teach My Child with Books;
He Gave Me Only Puzzled Looks.
I Tried to Teach My Child with Words;
They Passed Him by Often Unheard.
Despairingly, I Turned Aside;
"How Shall I Teach this Child," I cried?

Into My Hand He Put the Key,
"Come," He Said, "Play with Me."

~ Author Unknown

Let the games begin!