I am constantly looking for activities for the boys to participate in around the area whether it is sports, art, music, etc. When Titus was four I found a local music school for young children and reached out. I was thrilled with their immediate “yes” to teaching Titus music. Sadly that is not always the case, we have been turned away before as businesses and people do not know how to “handle” someone who is blind.

Titus began in their Lil’ Peeps program learning the guitar, drums, singing, and keyboard getting to experience them all. He gravitated towards guitar and chose that instrument to play in his first rock concert. He attended 30 minute classes every week and would sometimes play at home as well.

It was finally time for his first concert, and he was absolutely terrified. He really didn’t want to go, and we were torn between pushing him too hard and not letting him give up. There’s no manual for this kind of stuff, you know? He was dead set on not playing, but he agreed to at least attend the concert and watch.

When we got to the venue, it took some convincing to get him inside. Once we finally got him in, the next challenge was getting him to go into the auditorium and sit down. We watched the other bands perform while the time for him to go backstage crept closer. We talked to him some more and managed to persuade him to go backstage to wish everyone luck.

Backstage, we found out there was a second area where they kept the guitars, right before the stage. Ryan went back to our seats with Trenton, while I tried to talk Titus into going to see the guitars. My goal was to get him out on stage, even if he just sat there. He was clearly scared, with tears in his eyes, but we took it step by step. Eventually, I got him out on stage, and I felt a wave of relief and pride wash over me.

Despite his anxiety, he pushed through and embraced the unknown. As the song started and his instructor helped him, he performed in his first rock concert. I backed away slowly and saw Ryan in the front row, recording the concert with the biggest smile on his face.

Shortly after this performance Titus decided he would like to focus on drums instead and that has been his instrument ever since.

This past week he had his 9th rock concert. We still talk about the very first one and how we had to convince him every step of the way. He has so much pride in his music and will invite friends, family, and teachers to listen to him. He loves to go to the basement and practice his songs and make up new ones.

I can still remember how hard it was to convince him and how I just wanted to say you don’t have to, not push him, and just hug him. We made the choice to push, not knowing the outcome and I am so happy we did. Titus has come a long way pushing past his nerves and trying new things. He amazes us everyday with his talents.