You Would Rather ...

Live forever or dying tomorrow (3:3)

Eat a block of salt over eating a block of butter (4:2)

Be unable to hear over being unable to see (4:1)

Have eyes that always smile over a voice that makes people calm (4:1)

An anniversary

This week marks an anniversary of the death of an incredible friend.

Throughout high school and half of my undergrad, i worked in a nursing home. I loved it ... but about 4 years ago, on a whim, i applied for an internship/part time job as a special needs worker. At the time, i had about zero experience working with children besides the random babysitting gig. To my delight, i got the job (by paralleling working with the elderly to working with children!)

I was paired up with a beautifully spirited young girl ... She was 13, brown hair, incredible smile and a laugh that actually competed with mine! She also had down syndrome. I spent almost 2 years with her ... once or twice a week. I looked forward to it every time and no matter how i was feeling that day, this particular girl could brighten it. She had the most incredibly supportive and loving family. We all became very close ... I was so sad to say goodbye when i moved to London.

A year ago this week, she passed away in her sleep. It was completely unexpected. I had actually called a week before that to make plans to visit as i hadn't seen her for a couple months.

A song in the musical "Wicked" writes, "Because i knew you, i have been changed for good." At the celebration her life last year, people from all over town came. The venue was packed with people. The "tough boys" from her high school were some of the first to arrive. She touched so many lives, and i wish she could have been around longer to continue spreading her infectious joy. My life has been changed forever because of her. She was the first young girl i worked with and it lit the fire of passion i have for children with special needs.

Another quote speaks to me by Friedrich Nietzsche, "Invisible threads are the strongest ties." ~ Not a day goes by that i don't think of her and thank God for my time with her.

...

Just reflecting as i wait for the last batch of the best, big, fat, chewy, chocolate chip cookies to bake and thought i'd share.

2 months? seriously!?

First of all:
Happy 2 month anniversary to me for being a slacker and not posting!

Second of all:
Sorry and THANK YOU Margaret Sara Goodyear for wanting me to post ... even though you used profanities!

Third of all:
What to say to represent the last 2 months! ? Let's see ... the 3 biggest things that have happened to me are ...

1. Shreddies has come out with their NEW diamond shreddies ... they look so good. check it ...

2. OhTease! performed at the Physio Therapist Talent Show/Fundraiser ... despite some serious technological malfunctions (aka Miranda, the not-so-singer was left soloing their first song) ... it was WICKED FUN and i can't wait to perform with my girls again!

Did you know we are on YouTube!?

3. I have been doing my placement for school at a children's centre ... it's incredible. The children completely inspire me!
I have also been doing a research project for school on children.

Top 3 favourite child moments:

1. Me: "Come on over to the OT table to work with me"
*Katie, age 5: "um, no, i don't think i like you."

2. Me: "We are going to try to draw this picture"
*Jamie, age 6: "Who put you in charge?"

3. I walk into the child's home ... his first words to me ...
"Are you a girl?"

*names have been changed to protect my arse

Sorry for the slackage, but i'm back!