The community is invited to take part in a special parade to mark a milestone birthday.
Sonny is turning 19 on Saturday, June 21, and his mother, Mira Plett, says a ride-by from community members would mean so much to their family.
Nicknamed “Sonny Sunshine” because his birthday falls on the first day of summer, and his love for the song You Are My Sunshine, Sonny was diagnosed with autism at age two. He was later diagnosed with epilepsy at nine and, more recently, diabetes.
Though Sonny is non-verbal, Plett says he finds different ways to express himself.
“He makes a lot of sounds. He does know some signs for sign language. His body language is a huge factor in how we can understand what he wants and what he's trying to communicate to us.”
Adulthood has come with its own challenges. Sonny, whose developmental level is closer to that of a toddler, doesn’t always understand his size or surroundings. Plett also notes that the support systems they once relied on have changed significantly.
“We used to get a lot of out of home respite for him through different service agencies that were available to him before he turned 18, so he would go away for about a week at a time every month. Sometimes to Brandon and then sometimes to Winnipeg, depending on which service agency back then was available. And so, this last year has been a big change for him and for everybody in the home because he doesn't get to have that break away from us or we don't get to have that break from him.”
Sonny requires round-the-clock care, and the family has installed surveillance in their home to help ensure everyone’s safety. Plett says care duties are shared between herself, her sister, her mother, and Sonny’s siblings.
“My sister actually was kind of inspired by Sonny to become a healthcare aide. So she has been a big help around the home and then my mom, she helps out a lot to with making him food sometimes or going shopping and to thrift stores for him because he can't really go into public.”
The birthday ride-by will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, just south of New Bothwell, at 36062 on Highway 216.
“I chose the word ride instead of drive just because Sunny says the word 'ruh’ for ride and he has a certain corner on the lawn near the ditch and the highway that he loves to sit at,” Plett explains. “He'll watch the cars drive by. Sometimes people honk at him and or wave, and I just love it, he looks so peaceful there he can sit there for hours sometimes.”
Plett hopes that those driving by will play his favourite song or put up a poster to show their love and support.
“He loves mostly anything from Veggietales actually or from the movie Disney Cars, Space Jam, he absolutely loves Space Jam.”
Anyone wanting to drop off a birthday gift is welcome. Sonny enjoys VHS tapes or DVDs, books, stuffed animals, and toys from his favourite movies, including:
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Veggietales
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Disney Cars
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Finding Nemo
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Toy Story
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Looney Toones Space Jam
The family has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with Sonny’s ongoing care at home.
Funds raised will go toward additional respite care, hiring another qualified caregiver, and covering the costs of home and vehicle repairs. Donations will also support home modifications, including MDF walls and a fenced yard, to create a safer living environment.
Click here to learn more about Sonny Sunshine or to support the GoFundMe.
WIth files from Corny Rempel
