your stories... (fall 2008)
inspiration
fall fun
by Julie, Covina, CA
We love our fall traditions...
trick or treat
by Audrey, Pasadena, CA
Aren't they cute?!
wicked
by Nancy, Pasadena, CA
There were a lot of highlights this year. But Molly, age 11, going to see Wicked might be one of the top three. You see, she loves musicals, she knows every word, sings them all day. She would be great on, Name that Tune. She can dance and sing with the best of them. As a matter of fact it is one of the ways that I taught her to read, by reading the lyrics to musicals. We have wanted to take her to Wicked, since the beginning of the production, but couldn’t make it happen. Then someone gave us two tickets and Molly, and I were thrilled. Molly got dressed to the nines, and we headed down to the theatre. I must tell you it felt like pure magic from the moment we tried to find parking, to having second row seats, and getting autographs. It wasn’t past the second song, and I knew this story was our story, about Down syndrome, being different, being misunderstood. And it seemed that the story of Wicked was not lost on any one else. It was almost surreal. Apparently, there are quite a lot of groupies that keep going to the show. Maybe they have felt different and misunderstood as well. There was so much love, acceptance and understanding of someone different, yet having much to offer- it felt all directed toward Molly. There were a couple of times she was quite scared, and there was not one ounce of irritation or impatience toward her. People smiled and looked at her and they were intentional about connecting with her- unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. When I came home, I told my husband all that happened that night and we realized how much of the story was the story that we are trying to teach our children, our schools, and community. The story of seeing beyond the surface and discovering how all of us have something to give to one another. That night anyone who has felt “green” reached out to Molly in a magical way. To be honest, it was one of the most loving and sacred moments we have experienced together.
