Marla attends her 'Broadening Horizons' program every day. It is structured around teaching independent living skills from cooking to using the internet. Meant to encourage and stimulate growth, the clients of this program get to do everything we so called 'normal people' do. They swim, bowl, go to the library, shop for groceries and some of them even hold down real jobs.
I cannot stress enough my deep appreciation for the staff who work with these special needs clients every day. Their patient and loving spirits go unnoticed by the general public but for those of us who are in need of their services... we know just how valuable their time is.
On Tuesday, Faith and I decided to stop by the program and see what Marla had going on that day. They were preparing for a sing-a-long and since I had brought my camera I decided to videotape it.
Everyone was waiting in anticipation with their song books and instruments, eager to show off their musical talents in front of the camera. When they began, I cannot deny my first thought...
"Omigod. This is horrible."
They couldn't hold a tune or play the instruments.
The NOISE was deafening.
The NOISE was deafening.
For a few minutes I felt like the Grinch that stole Christmas...
that is until I started paying closer attention.
And just like the grinch, I believe my heart grew three sizes that day.
that is until I started paying closer attention.
And just like the grinch, I believe my heart grew three sizes that day.
Suddenly and out of nowhere - I became Aware.
Aware of the faces filled with pride and pure unadulterated joy.
Aware of the laughter and the happiness contained within that room.
Aware of the profound effect that music has on our souls.
I was truly humbled.
Aware of the faces filled with pride and pure unadulterated joy.
Aware of the laughter and the happiness contained within that room.
Aware of the profound effect that music has on our souls.
I was truly humbled.
And in that moment of awareness, I was brought to tears as my sister stood up and dedicated her next song to me. While I was being the grinch, she had been searching the song book for something special. A song that she thought was most fitting and suitable to me. A song that she sang bursting with love and pride for her sister... a song I will never forget.
I would like to extend a special thank you on behalf of all my family to the excellent staff of:
Broadening Horizons
Gander, Newfoundland
