Gifts from the Heart/Fruit Salad

The birthday pineapple party was a huge success! Thanks to a couple of folks who left comments, I learned that Pineapples are a sign of welcome and hospitality so it was a perfect theme. That's Maggie at the party using a  blow up microphones to "sing" along with the music.

Maggie made invitations to the party and distributed 30 of them around Mission High. Kids from other classes came by, as did teachers, the dean and even the principal. There was food, music and lots of fun. I have some video I have to post, but I am having trouble with the program for the moment. You will see it eventually. Here's one more shot and there are many pictures posted at www.pinappleparty.shutterfly.com

Maggie received many gifts that were sweet and wonderful. I have to mention two in particular. The dean, Mr. Zelaya (sp?) arrived with a bunch of tulips for her. As Nurse Janice said, every woman in the room melted a little bit when he did that. They are beautiful and are sitting in Maggie’s room right now.

The other gift I have to mention came from Juan, Maggie’s “boyfriend” (Quotes are necessary because Maggie seems to have a roving eye – poor Juan) Juan is the only member of the class who can walk and he takes it upon himself to make sure everything and everyone is where it/they should be. He is non-verbal but manages to let you know what he wants/needs fairly well. You should know something else about Juan. He LOVES bananas. He loves the look, taste and feel of them. His gift to Maggie, along with a hat and scarf, was two bananas. It was the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed.

Maggie and her peers are so often overlooked on everyday matters. Well meaning people comment on how cute they are or on how well they are doing, but rarely does someone stop to take note of the humanity beneath the disability. If you actually take the time to look, you will like what you find. There is usually an amazing person there- one made of pure kindness and goodness.

Before you jump to the next conclusion, let me say this: it is not because they do not know any better. These kids are not only amazing in light of their disabilities. They are amazing people. (Say aloud, “period") My daughter is one of them and spends most of her time with other amazing people. It is not a bad life, despite appearances.

_______________________________________________________________________

Unrelated shout out to my nephew Vinny another amazing teenager. Vinny is a senior in high school, who committed himself to wrestling this year. He spent his own money to attend a camp to improve his skills. In mid season, he suffered a broken hand and had to sit out for several weeks. He came back with a vengeance and wrestled his way to the section finals, which occurred this weekend. Because nothing was going to stop him this year, he won that too and is heading to the State championships next weekend. California is a HUGE state and getting to this tournament is a BIG deal. Congratulations Vinny!