This beautiful image:

…was taken by this young man ~

Matthew Drumright, above, has been taking pictures since he was age 10. His talent was nurtured by a teacher who "gets it." Marti Proffit-Strueli is also my daughter's art teacher and one of the main reasons I transferred Grace out of her cluster to attend Hillsboro High School. It is a story of the difference a teacher can make in encouraging a students' dream. It is also the story of parents who listened and nurtured their son's talent, who believed, dreamed big and believed in their special son's big dreams.

Drumright not only believed in his dream, he followed it and works as an intern for Michael Gomez Photography in Nashville. Like many artists, Drumright also holds a second job to help support himself and his craft. His photograph, “Night Snowfall,” was on display in the S. Dillion Ripley Center at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington , D.C., as part of the VSA arts ”Driving Force” art exhibit. In 2005, VSA arts of Tennessee awarded him the Professional Artist Award. Matthew enjoys photographing nature, people, sports and special events but mostly capturing his nephews in those treasured moments.

A Special Olympics athlete since 1991, Matthew trains and competes in multiple sports. He has been fortunate to have been selected to compete in three Special Olympics World Games and Two Special Olympics National Golf Tournaments. He served as the official Healthy Athletes photographer for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. As a Global Messenger, Matthew speaks to civic, corporate, school and church organizations about Special Olympics and how it has enhanced his life.

Provocateurs, Entrepreneurs is the current exhibit at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, in Nashville. The Center hosts four exhibits annually featuring work by or about people with disAbilities.

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To Matthew's parents and other similar special needs parents, I say thank you for lighting the way, blazing a trail that I and other parents of special needs artists can follow. You have gifted your sons and daughters, me, my daughter, and all who come in contact with your children's art. Bless you for thinking outside the box. The world is a more beautiful place because of the vision you held and encouraged.

Photo of Drumright: Michael Gomez, Gomez Photography, (who receives kudos for also thinking outside the box. We need more open hearts like Gomez).