Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I want to Play Drums Behind my Back

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y
FEBRUARY 23, 2010
 
 
Today was the day, all right.  I woke up at nine am  and laid in bed until almost 9.45.  I didn't know what this was a sign of.  I could feel myself not having a good day.  I contemplated emailing the kind lady who was taking her time to show me around.  
 
I had a stomach thing going on yesterday, and today I could sense it was not going to be a good day.  I managed to roll out of bed and make myself look somewhat presentable.  Slightly agitated about everything, I managed to slide my shoes on and walk out the door, programmed my GPS twice --first time it failed on me -- buckled up and was on my way.   
 
It wasn't in the best part of Akron, but I felt safe enough when I got out of my car and saw four big guys unloading a truck full of food.  I wasn't sure if I should be nervous, anxious, excited, or what other emotion.  I think I was a little of each.  

I got a run down on some of the programs and got to tour the Salvation Army headquarters of Summit County.  Met a few of the volunteers and some of the employees.  

I was taken over to the preschool where I thought I would have the hardest dealing with.  It looked just like a preschool. The kids were polite and very friendly.  It made every emotion I had go away.  They were so full of life and energy and you could tell each one had a story.  

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As I walked into the 3.5 and 4 year olds' room, I saw this kid who seemed to be big for his age. But I could see some awesome energy brewing off of him.  As I stood in the door way observing the room, he goes I want to play drums and kept saying it.  I tried to interact with him but I think I drew away from what they were trying to do.  

The more time I was there the more he kept saying he wanted to play drums.  I replied, "Really?  That is pretty awesome!"  And he kept pretending he was drumming.  He goes I want to play drums behind my back and I want to play drums.  He was so excited to talk about drumming. 

I knew I wanted to work with Salvation Army in some way or another.  As I saw they wanted a photographer, and I knew this was the time and place for it to happen.

As we sat down to discuss a few things, I felt more comfortable with the whole situation.  I was then walked out and thanked for coming and checking the facility out. 

I was walking to my car, I wanted to run back in and say count me in.  I thought about it just to make sure as I drove around West Akron for a bit.  I got home and emailed the lady and said I would love to help out.  I even might be designing for them, too.  Two things I am passionate about and all for the good of helping others.  Killing so many birds with one stone.

I would say that signs lead me to where I am.  I know that little boy will never read this, but I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for repeatedly saying "I want to play drums!"  I saw the passion in his eyes and the dreams he had, and I want to experience something so amazing and so touching.  That little boy made me smile for the first and only time today.  It was one magical moment and a sign saying, "this is where you need to be."
 
He also, made me realize that maybe he can help me cross off another item off my bucket list!

Little kids can be one the biggest blessings in your life.  I know there are rough days, but usually when there is a little kid right there with something so innocent and so wonderful to say.  

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!
Lesley


3 comments:

Carisma said...

so inspiring! You rock!

lesley.anne.k said...

Thanks, Carisma! I should bring you sometime too and we could shoot together. It would be fun. I think you would love these little kids!

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