Disabled

I just saw the most moving commercial. A Down Syndrome boy sits alone in a dark room. He says, "They stare at you. They point and yell things at you. They say you are different." He wipes tears from his face, and my heart is breaking for this poor, disabled kid. He then says, "It is fantastic!" The most adorable smile spreads across his face. The next clip shows him with a medal around his neck, hoisted high in the air by his fans at the Special Olympics. Disabled? Not with that attitude.

Here's To You, Class of '92!

The Boot Camp class I sub for contains a wide range of participants from beginners to regulars who could run circles around me. One night, I was attempting to motivate them when I said, “Don’t worry about the other people in class. This is your workout. What you put into it is what you get out of it.” Then I said (hold onto your seats cuz this is pretty profound), “Just the fact that you are here…”(long pause) “…is good.” That’s all I could think to say. Super inspiring, right? That’s ok. It made them laugh, which is good for your core.

Saturday night was my 20-year High School Reunion. If I had taken some time away from singing karaoke, I would love to have given this toast to my friends:

“MCHS Class of ’92, the fact that you are here is good! Many of our classmates are missing tonight. Some wanted to come but couldn’t. Others are not here simply because they were worried about the other people in class. Maybe they were afraid of how their careers or family lives would compare. Or maybe they felt they needed to lose weight or couldn’t find the right clothes or shoes to wear. Twenty years ago we all had visions of how our lives would look today. But we all know life has a way of making all kinds of twists and turns from those starry-eyed days of our youth. I think Patrick O’Connor and I vowed to start a law firm together (stop laughing).

John Lennon said it best: “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

So don’t worry about the other people in class. This is your life. What you put into it is what you get out of it. Put happiness into it.

Here’s to you, Class of ’92! You are here, and it is good!”

To all of our classmates who were not there, we really missed you and hope to see you next time.

PS- I say we all wear our pajamas to the 25^th. Whatchya think?

I Have Nothing To Wear To My High School Reunion

Who doesn’t want to look great for their 20-year High School Reunion?

I have had months to plan (ok, 20 years- we’ve known this day was coming, right?) So, less than a week away, I had hoped to have lost ten pounds, perfect highlights in my hair, a beautiful manicure, and an even tan. Of course, finding just the right dress was the most important of all. Instead, I have gained five pounds, am sporting about 50 Shades of Brass in my ‘do, have grown-out, chipped nails and four different tan lines. After dragging my poor children through the mall for hours, becoming increasingly depressed in each fitting room, I came home empty handed.

Last night I dreamt one of my front teeth fell out, leaving a gaping hole in my smile. According to a good friend, this “could suggest there is a fear of getting old and undesirable.” Ya think? One of the stores I unsuccessfully shopped in was Forever 21. It was a busy place. Guess I’m not the only one trying to hold on to my youth.

As we entered the 300^th store in our shopping venture, my daughter began to whine, “Not another one!” Exhausted and frustrated, I spun around on my heels and pointed my finger at her. “This shopping trip is not about you. Quit being so selfish.” I immediately became aware of the three fingers pointing back at me. And the trip to Tennessee is not all about you, Libby. No one cares what I wear, how my hair looks, or even if I possess all of my teeth. Evidently, going home brings out the kid in me – the egocentric, selfish one.

On the way home, I reminded myself of the real reasons I am so excited about this reunion- reconnecting with incredible friends, some I have known since kindergarten, meeting their families, reliving old memories and creating new ones. Our 10-year reunion was a blast! Honestly, I don’t recall what anyone was wearing. What I do remember is talking, laughing, and bustin’ all kinds of moves on the dance floor with an awesome group of people.

After my little temper tantrum and eventual revelation in the mall, I decided to make do with whatever is in my closet. I did find a couple of things that could work – as long as I stand in one place all night without moving or breathing. Sigh… Well, Vanessa has assured me I am welcome to shop in her closet. It’s comforting to know that even after 20 years, some things never change. Thank you sweet friend!

I’m still not certain what I will be wearing to my reunion. However, there is one thing I am sure I will have on… a SMILE (that, at the moment, contains all of my pearly whites)! 

MCHS Class of '92, I can't wait to see you!!