A while ago my daughter and I was asked to volunteer and share a bit of our culture with a Special Needs facility. We were asked to just tell a little bit of Hawaii, the customs, culture and dance. WE decided it would be fun if they also participated with us.
When we first arrived there was a misunderstanding of where we would be but once we got everything ironed out something magical and wonderful began. I could feel it almost instantaneously as I entered the building and the moment the 2nd door was opened and we were escorted down a hall and pass classrooms full of very curious smiling adults. We of course, were dressed in our Aloha wear and could tell that all eyes were on us, right up until they closed the classroom door behind us.
Beauty and I set up. We brought some dance music and when we were ready they brought everyone in. It was quite a commotion. Much like walking in a classroom of pre-schoolers. They were very excited, very inquisitive and wanted to know everything. Their eyes were bright their minds were opened their hearts were worn on their sleeves.
As we spoke and danced they talked and danced with Beauty. I quickly realized that I was not in control of this and would let them lead. IF they wanted to dance or speak we answered their questions. Mostly they wanted to put the grass skirts on and shake their bootays! and that my friends is what we did. They wanted Beauty to shake shake shake that she got so hot she took her dress off and just wore the clothes underneath. A wife beater shirt and a lavalava.
Interacting with the truest of true hearts. Feeling of their genuine spirits. Learning to see and enjoy life through their unclouded eyes. WE both left feeling uplifted, stronger and better. They are so accepting. Take me as I am. I will take you as you are. I can't remember a time where I received hugs after hugs and loving pats on the back over and over again. I can't remember a time where I was completely free and enjoyed myself EXACTLY how I was, flaws and all except in their presence, and I can't remember when I allowed myself to be so unguarded. What a wonderful special feeling that is. I imagine it much to be as if I was in the presence of God and Christ themselves. In fact, for me. I know it must feel like that. To know that they will accept me as I am.
Each of these special spirits asked me to take their pictures. They would pose and smile and the minute I brought my camera up, they would move or close their eyes. Almost like my camera would steal something from them. I showed each of them their pictures! AND GUESS WHAT??? Each of them were happy with their pictures! They were elated! They smiled and gave themselves complimentary adjectives. "I'm so pretty, I look beeyouuyteeful"and would giggle like school girls. Not once was their something negative uttered. Each time I look at a picture of me I am never satisfied with the first picture. I will say, "I smiled funny, let me stand straighter".
They are happy with themselves, they are content. I am happy and I'm content but I hold the critical card, the judgemental card and they have never even seen or heard of either one of those cards. Beauty and I loved being in their presence of acceptance, love and gratitude and we take home stronger lessons of what each of those words mean.
side note:: The other day I boarded two flights two hours apart both going to Memphis. Each flight carried 6 special needs adults. When it was time to board each of them presented me with their boarding passes. Their was such energy around them. As I pulled their ticket and called each of them by their name they were like "YOU know my name" and then I made small talk with them as well. One man had a red sox hat on. I told him I was a yankee fan and he about fell over! So dramatic! So lovely. I helped them out to the aircraft and got them seated and this one lady named, JoAnn kept smiling and laughing that I knew her name and helped her out. She leaned in and before I could realize what was happening she planted one right on my cheek! I am a germaphobe but in that moment I couldn't help but smile and say, "I love my job". (then I wiped my cheek)
