The Human Spirit

Instructor: Daykin
Written Communications
Illustrative Essay
Christine Bowser
10/9/13     

      Each day I drive to work I wonder what the day will bring? Everyday I pull into the parking lot looking upon the imposing stone building that looks like a fortress. I often wonder what people think when they look at the building. Do they know what goes on, what we do, what obstacles so many people here face every day of their lives? I walk through the winding maze of hallways to get to the program areas. The halls are eeriely silent, no shaking of dice, no Karaoke blaring in the TV, no chattering voices, it won't stay silent for long.
       I see the triumph of the human spirit every single day. It never fails to amaze me and give me hope. When ever I see someone learn something new it fills something inside of me, making me want to give people more opportunities every single day. Each person that I see smile and laugh even though they struggle trying to accomplish any tasks that we might think is not important to succeed at. If they fail they do not give up, they are right back at it trying to attain what they need or want and most times always with a smile.  It often reminds me to keep trying when I get frustrated with things.  I want people to be able to see and understand the strength of the human spirit that is evident inside of this building everyday.
      I have a seasonal crafts class that we made fall wreaths out of yarn, wire hangers, fake berries and flowers, and lot of effort. The people in this group are loud and boisterous and happy, there is never a dull moment. The tables are always overflowing with bright hued fall leaves, glistening of tiny berries, flower, Skeins of reds, oranges, and brown yarn. Everything is fake but you can almost smell the leaves as if they have just fallen from a tree. It looks like a tornado hit the room but it is a happy fun mess. During the middle of all the light hearted chaos, people are learning fine motor skills, and socializing, folowing directions, the learning list is endless. There is bantering, and laughter, someone picks up the frayed fuzzy remnants of the yarn we had been trimming off the wreaths. It is a vividly colored yarn storm flying everywhere. There is laughter, giggles, tears of happiness, you don't see the wheelchairs, the walkers or the disabilities you just see the true human spirit of a real person.