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Memoir of a Melody
by carlynn c Memoir of a Melody There could be no more perfect name for a child who loves music like Melody does. She also brightens at the sound of her momma's voice, the soothing murmurs of the teacher who adores her, and wind chimes. But she cannot speak or see, and some days can barely breathe without her treatments for cystic fibrosis. Maryann is Melody's teacher, and has taught special-ed for twenty-five years. Maryann truly loves her job and her students. She checks on them over the summer months, visits them when they're hospitalized, and attends their funerals when their young lives end and their too-small coffins are lowered into the hostile ground. Maryann is THE person you'd choose for a teacher if you had a handicapped or severely disabled child. She's patient, kind, empathetic, and celebrates the smallest of accomplishments with her students. Many of the kids in her classroom will never walk, talk or feed themselves. Some will live to be perhaps fifteen years old with good medical care but they'll still wear diapers and live in their own worlds. Many are autistic; others have cerebral palsy or chromosomal anomalies. They are all euphemistically and optimistically labeled 'developmentally delayed,' but the reality is that they will never catch up to their peers. Most won't write their names, learn to add and subtract, or run to chase a ball or dance; their limbs and senses don't work in sync. Th ey surely don't fit any paradigm of 'normal.' They'll all be 'left behind,' scholastically and politically. But they are people worthy of dignity, all the same. And Maryann gives them that in spades. There is no test to measure Melody's newfound ability to tap her finger in time to music. Th is development was cause for celebration in Maryann's class, just as James' not hitting or biting during quiet time was a triumph, yet Maryann cherishes these milestones. When learning of this precious child's ability to hear and appreciate sound, I got out a dragonfly wind chime I'd been saving for the perfect recipient. You see, I have chimes all around my cabin, swaying musically in trees, porches, windows and even my rose garden.They're a lyrical reminder of my faith. Without the wind, they're pretty but silent. I can't see the wind, but I can hear and see its results. Without the The Divine living in me, I'm diminished, but with It swaying me, I am made whole, useful, beautiful. But this particular wind chime with its silvery dragonflies had never quite fit anywhere. I knew then, this was what I'd kept it for. Maryann put it on Melody's wheelchair the next day, so that her music would always be with her. I once asked Maryann why she goes to work every day, to a depressing job where she'll never be nominated for 'Teacher of the Year,' and can't point to standardized test scores as proof of her students' progress. Maryann replied to my query thoughtfully. I believe, she began softly, that God gave me the ability to see beyond the external, and to find that one special thing inside a child, something that he or she can react positively to. I believe that each living being is a creature of God, each having purpose and talent. God gave me the gift of finding that and using it to make these children as happy as can be for their short time on this earth. I also think these children with severe disabilities are sent here to teach us. I'm grateful for the insight to learn from these earthly angels. I believe it is people like Melody and Maryann who ? perhaps better than the rest of us ? hear so clearly the voice of God. **end** And now Maryann needs help. Plz pass on and send cyber-hugs/encouragement/prayers to: w.giveforward.com/plzhelpmaryfightovariancancerandbemerryagain Reproduction and use with byline, copyright info and link to Carlynn's ShoutLife URL only. (below) (c)2009 Carlynn Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |