Their names are Manuel, Josip and Eva. They are wonderful
individuals who have brought an incredible amount of joy to my life this past
week.
Manuel is 9 years old. He has lived in this institution
since he was a baby. His smile can bring joy to anyone’s life. Everyone in the
institution loves Manuel so I would take him on walks through the halls. All
the little old ladies loved seeing him. I enjoyed sitting with him and stroking
his face and making him laugh.
Josip is 11 years old. He is a funny character. He enjoys
watching television and then repeating what he hears. He also enjoyssinging
and playing instruments. I took him for a walk one day and he sang the entire
time we were outside!
Eva is 18 years old. She had a stroke and now functions at a
child’s level. She enjoys clapping along to songs and learning new ones. I
taught her Waves of Mercy. She only caught the “la la la la la la” part but
every day I enter her room she begins singing that. We also enjoyed dancing
together.
I was very nervous the first day we went to this
institution. I have never worked with people who have disabilities and did not
really know what I would do with them. I quickly learned that I did not have to
do anything because simply being there with them was enough for them; they
would show me the rest!
All it takes is a smile to brighten someone’s day!
