It's OK To Be Me!!!

The advisor for my senior project was a professor, who only knew me by reputation, but when we met there was an immediate bond. She and I planned the requirements I needed to fulfill to pass, before I was to start volunteering. I was to spend 1 and 1/2 hours, three days a week, at the club. I was assigned to help in any form needed, and to teach a class about anything of my choosing.

On my first day everyone involved was extremely tentative. I was just trying to figure the program out, the site manager had no idea what I should or could do, the kids were unsure of anyone they didn't know or trust, then add my disability and slurred speech. Mix this all together and the end product, uncertainty.

It took about two weeks of observation for me to fall in love with these awesome children, but it was not that easy for them, even to talk to me. I knew from my study of psychology that if I wanted to be accepted I was going to have to do more than my class required. Without really thinking about it I raised my required four and a half hours a week to being there any time I had available, which was from the opening of the door to the closing of the door.

When the kids saw my commitment to them, the walls they had built very slowly started to fade, but the walls were still there, at the ready to slam back in place if they felt the need arise. This made an air of nervous strain.

The signal that I was totally accepted came when the staff decided to have a slumber party for the girls. There were two female staff members which were required to be there, but they needed one more adult to help keep the girls under control. I volunteered knowing I would not get any sleep, but the girls fun was more important to me.

We played the usual games, pigged out and had a blast acting silly. At about 11:00 p.m. girls started dropping like flies. The other adults were exhausted too, so I told them I would take the 'Night-Watch', they could go to sleep and not worry about things. I had it under control. Reluctant, but tired they agreed.

While most of the girls snoozed, ten girls and I stayed awake. We played truth or dare, and told ghost stories. After we finished that, my butt was hurting, so I moved to a lounge chair. I explained to the girls this was to relieve pressure on certain spots so I wouldn't get sores.

One of the girls asked to try my wheelchair, I saw no harm in it, so I said,"Yes!" She rolled around the room forward a bit, then a spark came to her eyes, turned around and went backwards saying,"Look I'm Merrym!" The other girls gasped in shock and surprise, waiting for my reaction. Pleasantly, complimented I gave her my Cheshire grin and robust chuckle. Immediately the other girl's tension disappeared and they ran to my wheelchair saying, "I get to be Merrym next!"

This proved to me that my example was not going unnoticed. I was showing them it is OK to be who God made you.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In teaching show integrity.

Titus 2:7

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce