By Ethan Benedicto
As the temperature soared and the stage set, it didn’t take long for Samuel Rowland to find his footing during his powerful performance at the Berwick Show.
Held on Saturday 22 February, Samuel was booked in for the 10:15am time slot, singing two songs, singing Swingin’ On The Golden Gate with his carer, and Glory To God in the Highest with sister duo Tanjil and Sienna Adams.
Michelle Rowland, Samuel’s mum, was beside herself with pride and joy, with Samuel’s performance and also with the love that was shown by the crowd.
“I loved it, it really was a blessing for me to witness so much love for my son,” she said.
“My daughter, who had the same condition, her life was very closed, we had therapists and teachers and doctors involved, but on the day I had to return her to the Lord, there were so many people, it was amazing.
“God has made me realise how many lives Samuel has touched and that was great for me to see.”
Recalling Samuel’s determination to “see things through” once he has begun, Michelle was all the more impressed when it came to preparing the performance.
Samuel was born with the generic disease of Dravet Syndrome, and was also diagnosed with autism, yet despite this, Michelle said that he was a boy who gave it his all during the performance.
From the ear microphones, and the sound checks, to smiling for photos, it all went smoothly that Michelle said she was “speechless”.
“The sound checks, the introduction to the backstage, that wasn’t part of the plan but Samuel went along with it like a superstar.
“Family, friends, everyone came to meet him at the back, and it was just something else,” she said.
Furthermore, she commended the Adams sisters for their performance as well, being able to play alongside her son to that degree, despite only having one rehearsal session.
“You know, this whole experience is a blessing, I’m trying to come up with all these words but my mind is just blank,” Michelle said.
“But, we’re blessed, we’re blessed to be living in a place where my child and the things that he loves doing are appreciated and encouraged.”
