An Incredible Surprise

Usually surprises that pop up five minutes before the end of the school day are not good. Today however, I had such a pleasant surprise, it brought tears to my stone-cold, forgotten how to cry, eyes. A surprise I would never have guessed in a million years.

I know what you are thinking, Jeff. Not possible. He has a game tomorrow night in Cleveland, which means tonight's practice is very important. So, as wonderful a thought that is, it wasn't him. It was a girl I graduated with. A girl who has down syndrome. A girl who I was very close to and felt a protective aura as we grew up and went through school together.

I'm not sure why, but from the age of seven, as a second grader, I felt the need to befriend Denise. At that age, I highly doubt I fully comprehended the concept of down syndrome, but I knew she needed a friend and was proud to provide that for her. I didn't neglect having other friends, but was sure at recess to make time to play were her at least two days a week. I used to push her on the swings. I am very careful when I say that, because I wasn't pushing her on the swings meanly. Just simply, pushing her on the swing since she had a hard time pumping. Other times, we just played on whatever she wanted to.

As we got older it was hard to be friends with her at certain times. She had a knack for saying inappropriate things, chasing boys, and at times, humping the ground. But, something in my heart couldn't let her play alone on that playground, or sit alone in class. I even went to swimming at her house a few times. 

So, enough about the past. Today, I was blown away by the woman she has become. She looked great, hair done, face made-up, and standing tall. She was a little shy, but opened up as I spoke to her. She is volunteering at the local animal shelter and has an internship at a local company. She has had a boyfriend for three years and they plan to get married when she turns thirty. She participates in the Special Olympics and has won several medals. She is now practicing for ski racing. 

She shared pictures with me and details about her life. She told me about the things she remembered from us growing up. At the moment, I was so incredibly proud to be a part of her memories. I was so proud of the woman she has become. All of the trials and tribulations she has overcome. I was amazed and awestruck by her. The way she has transformed from chasing boys down the hallways and reaching for their behinds, to being a functional member of society. Simply breath taking. 

I left school feeling giddy today. She simply made my day, possibly my week. With all the negative that surrounds us in today's world, her story is certainly one of inspiration, even if only a few know about it.