A morning at Walmart.....

A few weeks ago I signed Brett and I up to volunteer at the Blind Center for a morning shopping outing. It is part of the Give a Day Get a Day Program through Disney. I was a little nervous to go, not knowing exactly what we would be doing and not having a whole lot of experience with the visually impaired. Owen came with us as well, I had called ahead to make arrangement for him but was told not to worry and if both Brett and I would be there everything would be fine. SO Owen and I got up early so when Brett came home from work we could head down to the center. We arrived to find a bunch of volunteers waiting and a room full of eager shoppers. Owen was so patient and talked to all. Telling them about his "bans"shoes(vans) w/ dinosaurs and his jacket zipper. After filling out a bunch of paper work and having a litte mix up about whether or not Owen would make things more difficult , we got our assignments and headed to the Walmart. The buses were parked and about 8 volunteers paired off with these sweet people. The three of us got to help a sweet little lady named Christina. She had just a few things to purchase and a coupon for her toothpaste. She is 20 years old and lives with her mom and grandma, and her grandma's boyfriend Larry. Her week consists going to the center Tuesday, wednesday and Thursday where she has her two best friends Robin and Dan with her. As we walked through Walmart with her I just about lost it and started to cry. This sweet little girl was so happy and talked and talked and said hello to everyone. She also told us " Its allll good" about 25 times, Brett and I loved it and Owen was so entertained. She held his hand and he sang to her. We talked about birthdays and hemogoblin(Christina and Brett had long conversation about how oxygen and our lungs work) and babies ,exercise, food and Las Vegas. Christina is a little angel. She wanted to get her mom a valentine, so Brett found her one that sang a song and she could record a little message to her mom. We helped her to that and once again the tears came. I think I scared her because she kept asking " so how are you doing" After getting all the items she needed we headed to the front of the store , where we got to meet Robin and Dan, who were as sweet as every .We packed up her things and she headed back to the center for a little chicken burrito and bowling. Owen was trying so hard through out the whole visit to get eye contact, he is very concerned when he can't see your eyes looking back at him, I was so thankful Christina would let him hold her hand instead. Owen asked for Christina tonight when I changed him, I know he enjoyed today as well. I was moved by the cheerfulness of all those special people. They love each other and watch out for one another. It is a beautiful thing. I wish I had their ability to love so unconditionally and to be completely focused on the internal beauty. I am determined to return to this lovely place and spend more time with them , they have changed me for the better and I am grateful to them. It was a beautiful morning!


PS no people of walmart were spotted this trip hopefully next time:)