Leonardo “Leo” Tarr, at thirteen years old, is a force of nature. His mother, Cristine Maiera-Tarr, jokingly admits he’s given her a touch of post-traumatic stress, delivered with a loving smile. Fortunately, Leo isn’t navigating life alone; he has a devoted family, a playful Labradoodle named Charlie, and a haven in Variety Village.
The stories of Leo’s adventures are legendary. One night, a forgotten door allowed a seven-year-old Leo to “borrow” a neighbor’s electric car. He cruised down Kingston Road in the early morning, a tiny figure glowing with the thrill of the open road, seemingly unconcerned with the lack of a driver’s license. A surprised passerby guided him to safety and alerted authorities, resulting in Leo being welcomed as an honorary sergeant, complete with a new stuffed bear.
His escapades didn’t stop there. During a family visit to Brazil, Leo decided his grandmother’s large bread knife needed to accompany him home. He carefully packed it in his backpack, triggering an airport security alarm. When questioned, Leo dramatically declared, “Not mine!” By the time they landed in Toronto, he was rewarded with the honor of wearing the captain’s hat, the silver buttons mirroring the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Even a simple trip on the Toronto Zoo’s Zoomobile couldn’t escape Leo’s unique perspective. Spotting a large man boarding the cart, he exclaimed, “No, no! Too big, too big!” The hyenas may have chuckled, but Leo’s eyes held that familiar spark of playful rebellion. He is, undeniably, a world-class rascal, a loveable rogue with a spirit that refuses to be contained.
Beneath the whirlwind of energy lies a resilient young boy. Leo has undergone ten surgeries, including a life-saving open-heart procedure. He cheerfully explains his scars as battle wounds from hockey. He’s also been asked to leave two daycares – not everyone understands his vibrant charm.
Variety Village, however, *does* understand. Leo found a welcoming space there this summer, arriving with his beloved Toy Story dolls. The initial days were challenging; he managed to set off the alarm three times. Cristine feared another expulsion, but the staff at Variety Village were prepared. They offered patience, understanding, and a safe environment where Leo could simply *be*.
Cristine and Ben Tarr received a diagnosis of Down syndrome shortly after Leo’s birth, followed by a diagnosis of ADHD. It required a shift in perspective. “We had to grieve the usual idea of a perfect family and come around to the idea of our new perfect life,” Cristine explains. “There’s no regret. Leo brings so much.”
His older sister, Emily, sixteen, now requires a passcode on her bedroom door to protect her science projects from Leo’s playful interference. Yet, she wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I think I’m the person I am because of Leo. A better person. More empathetic. He shapes the people around him, bringing out the best in them.” Even Charlie, the Labradoodle, has learned to bark whenever Leo’s mischievous energy signals impending mayhem – and he barks often.
At Variety Village, Leo is free to be himself. Cristine doesn’t have to offer explanations or apologies for his exuberance. He’s accepted and loved for who he is, and she knows he’s safe. He participates in swimming, teen brunch clubs, and enjoys the freedom to explore and connect within the Village’s supportive community. It’s a place that has offered refuge to countless children with disabilities for decades.
Leo thrives in an environment that celebrates his spirit. He’s not just a child with challenges; he’s a “leader in training,” a testament to the power of acceptance and the boundless potential within every individual.
