As part of the kids' 4-H group they got to do some really meaning service last night. One of the parents had organized a Parent's Night Out for several families she knows who have children with different disabilities. Katherine and Michael got to spend 2 1/2 hours watching these truly special children. Katherine spent almost all of her time with Emma, and eight-year-old girl who has Cerebral Palsy and is blind. Because she becomes easily disoriented she needed one or two 4-Hers to stay just with her so she didn't get too overwhelmed. Other girls offered (before Emma came) to be the ones, but after Emma arrived they drifted off. Katherine quietly sat by her and then held her propped up between her legs for a long time -- trading off with others until the end. It was wonderful to see this experience really mean something to her.
Michael had a harder time finding his niche, but I was impressed with how willing and wonderful he was. For quite a while he played catch with a darling 3 1/2-year-old boy in a snazzy wheelchair. The little boy, Jacob, had such a wonderful smile, and he loved to watch Michael chase after the balls that he would throw recklessly from his chair. Michael would get the balls and then toss them to another girl who would get it back to Jacob. They played this for over a half hour non-stop.
What a great opportunity for everyone involved. I'm grateful that my kids were given such a wonderful chance to serve, and they really did come home with their own beautiful smiles shining.
The parent who organized it took lots of pictures. I've asked her to send me couple that hopefully I can post later.
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