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June 09, 2006
Megan and Mason
I was lying in bed last night and I couldn't sleep. I don't remember what my train of thought was, but somehow I took myself back to seventh or eighth grade when I used to go to Barbara's workplace after school. She's a physical therapist, and at the time she was working at the special ed school that was just down the road from my junior high. Rather than take the bus home (which was out of the question if you were older than ten), I followed the dirt trail that wound through the woods between the schools until I got to her work, where I would stay until she was done for the day.
I liked being there mostly because there were lots of toys and big foam block furniture and bright colors. But the more I visited, I got to know some of the kids who she worked with regularly. Two in particular I remember fondly. One was Megan. I don't remember exactly how old she was, maybe eight or nine, and I don't remember exactly why she had to come. But she was in a powerchair, and she was all smiles. Usually while she was working with Barbara I would go outside and play with her little sister Emma, who had so much energy and was a cute little girl. But then I would come in and we would all play together. I remember Megan's reaction time was slightly delayed sometimes, so you had to be careful not to frighten her or disorient her, but we always had fun. She laughed so much, and I just remember her always smiling when you looked at her. One day I brought in daisy-chain crown and gave it to Megan. She loved it. I think Barbara took a picture-- I wish I could see it again.
Little mason was another kid who Barbara worked with. He was a feisty little redhead. Barbara always called me Libby Loo, which Mason picked up, only when he said it it came out Yibby Yoo. I don't remember much else about Mason, but that he was adorable.
I really miss those times. I'm sure at first I was hesitant to work with or get to know kids in wheelchairs, but I'm glad I did. It sounds so cliche, but I really will always remember them.
Posted by libbystokes at June 9, 2006 11:00 AM