Bead The Difference

Instructor: Daykin
Written Communications
Christine Bowser
10/2/13
                                                               
                                                              Bead the Difference
 
       There are times when I really do wonder if I make a difference. Then I have to look back to times when maybe I have. I do love my work and I think that is a key ingredient in providing experiences for those I work with. There is one young woman that I work with, her name or disability isn't all that necessary, for this I will call her "Ann". Who she is; is very important, she is an intensely focused person, loves art, and absolutely loves to share herself with those she cares about. Her favorite class is making clay beads for jewelry.
      When Ann walks into the art room she is immediately asking what are we going to make today. I can see her taking in everything around her, the smell of fresh paint, the earthy scent of the clay, the bright vibrant colors, the other people that are in class and all the sounds that surround us.Her excitement incites passion into me, to want to be able to give her every opportunity to experience everything that she can. As I watch her work, I notice the intense look of concentration upon her face, the careful precise movements with her hands to shape the fragile flower bead she is trying to make. I watch her connect to those around her and to what she is doing. Connecting with the world is so important to those with a disability.
      With each step of the bead making process, working the clay, making the delicate shapes, Ann works independently and with others. She diligently completes each step until it is time to assemble her project. She sets up her pattern, one flower bead and one spacer bead and strings it on her cord. As Ann ties the finishing knot, she beams a smile at me brighter than the sun. At the end of the day when her mother comes to pick her up, she hands her the delicate flower bracelet. I witness the exchange between mother and daughter, all the unspoken words and emotions are so evident on their faces. You can see the love, the pride, the accomplishment between the both of them. She gives her mother the bracelet, because it is like sharing a part of herself. This is so important because making connections is so important to a person and families with a disability. So often people do not look at them, what they can do, or can't do,but beyond them. Look at them and get a glimpse of what I see every day, "Bead the difference" in their lives