It’s More Than Volunteering

Along my journey in this beautiful life of mine, I’ve been drawn to making a difference in people’s lives.  Part of this has been the privilege of volunteering with and working to support people with disabilities.  As I reminisced on my experiences, a sudden burst of questions came to me.  Could my volunteering and employment have helped prepare me for my introduction to disability?  Could they have been hidden prerequisites preparing me for my pending events? Was I in class getting an education on how I can make it through anything? That I can accept, recover, and walk towards resilience? 

The questions I’ll have to dive into another day, because as I sorted through this, I remembered one of my most treasured volunteer experiences that to this day is as clear as if it happened yesterday. I’d like to share it with you.

It was in 1976 when I volunteered at St. Colletta in Jefferson, Wisconsin.  St. Colletta ran a school for youth with disabilities until the 1990’s when it closed as community and public school integration with special education began. 

The first time I met Abigail, she was sitting alone in a large room I thought too sparse of furniture for its size and rather drab of color.  She was sitting in a wheelchair, donned in a lovely dress seated in a way with just her right side to me, yet I saw such a beautiful little girl with long blond hair.  When I reached her, I then saw that the left side of her face and body had been terribly burned.  I introduced myself and sat down beside her and began to chat sharing how happy I was to meet her.  However, she stayed quiet and kept her gaze to the floor.  I could feel a deep sadness within her. 

Prior to meeting Abigail, I was provided with some information about her and her circumstances.  She was 9 years old and had been in a terrible car accident resulting in her burns, a mild brain injury, and paralysis losing the use of her legs.  I learned what school subjects she was in, but what I thought most important, what she enjoyed and her favorite things.

Knowing this, I was able to chat in a way that I hoped she wouldn’t find me too much as a stranger and help me build a connection with her.  Yet, she remained silent and kept her gaze to the floor.  But that was okay, connections take time.

The room we were in had few windows, making the atmosphere seem dull.  I suggested we remedy that, and being a beautiful summer day, I thought perhaps a walk outside might help her feel more comfortable.  The door to the grounds was a distance from where we were and as we made our way it was oddly quiet but for a rattle in her wheelchair.  When we reached the door and opened it, a rush of a warm summer breeze touched our skin.  The sun lit up a brilliant blue sky holding beautiful white clouds looking like puzzle pieces that once fit together. We went for a walk pausing from time to time to look at flowers and I shared with her what kind they were.  Stopping, Abigail remained quiet, but we listened together when I told her what kind of birds were singing and that their songs were just for her. We slowly strolled along the paths of the grounds while I began singing softly to her.  Under a beautiful tall pine tree, we found a bench where we could rest. We both sat quietly surrounded by the scent of its magical splendor.

It was here that Abigail reached for my hand, looked up at me with the most angelic blue eyes I’ve ever seen, and while holding her gaze with mine said, “thank you, I needed you today”.   

From there, with my heart full of gratitude, she told me all about her favorite things.