The color and wing span of Birds of Paradise are exquisite and I wanted to let this beautiful bird express my thanks for a very special person who celebrates her birthday today. Susan Jean and I have been friends ever since she gifted me with her presence as an aide when I taught second grade in Concord NH over 20 years ago.
Susan Jean has lived with Down's Syndrome, all of her life. She has taught me the beauty, power and strength of seeing and doing things in a different way. She is aware of her gifts and quick to see the gifts of others. Susan Jean has a wonderful sense of humor, loves music and dance, and enjoys watching tennis and baseball. She is honest and direct. When Susan sensed that I was getting upset with a classroom situation, she would come up behind me and gently begin to rub my back..her way of reminding me to relax and lighten up!
Susan's memory was incredible. As we worked together I would often ask her to remind me of things during the day which I would forget, but she did not. I referred to her as my memory! When correcting papers, more than once, she would come to me and say.. "you marked this wrong and it's right!" and it was!
For many summers we shared vacation time together in Rhode Island,once during a hurricane! Susan is very comfortable being herself and she is just as comfortable in being with. Conversation was not always necessary.. just Presence!! I smile as I write this because I had recently asked in prayer to be shown how to be truly present in my life. Having been a "doer" for much of my life, being present with my God and with others, does not come easy. For Susan Jean, presence is natural. In the car, as we traveled back and forth from NH to Rhode Island, Susan could sit quietly with no need to engage in chatter. Her presence spoke of contentment, love and peace. Thank you Daddy God, for reminding me of Susan Jean's genuine ability to "Be" and to "Be With".
Happy Birthday dearest Susan Jean, and thank you for the gift of your exquisite beauty and presence in my life.
One Family...
The Beauty of Each Being..The Power of Our Truth..The Wisdom of Our Experience..Sustain and Make Us Community...Margaret Parent
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Exquisite Beauty and Presence!
The color and wing span of Birds of Paradise are exquisite and I wanted to let this beautiful bird express my thanks for a very special person who celebrates her birthday today. Susan Jean and I have been friends ever since she gifted me with her presence as an aide when I taught second grade in Concord NH over 20 years ago.
Susan Jean has lived with Down's Syndrome, all of her life. She has taught me the beauty, power and strength of seeing and doing things in a different way. She is aware of her gifts and quick to see the gifts of others. Susan Jean has a wonderful sense of humor, loves music and dance, and enjoys watching tennis and baseball. She is honest and direct. When Susan sensed that I was getting upset with a classroom situation, she would come up behind me and gently begin to rub my back..her way of reminding me to relax and lighten up!
Susan's memory was incredible. As we worked together I would often ask her to remind me of things during the day which I would forget, but she did not. I referred to her as my memory! When correcting papers, more than once, she would come to me and say.. "you marked this wrong and it's right!" and it was!
For many summers we shared vacation time together in Rhode Island,once during a hurricane! Susan is very comfortable being herself and she is just as comfortable in being with. Conversation was not always necessary.. just Presence!! I smile as I write this because I had recently asked in prayer to be shown how to be truly present in my life. Having been a "doer" for much of my life, being present with my God and with others, does not come easy. For Susan Jean, presence is natural. In the car, as we traveled back and forth from NH to Rhode Island, Susan could sit quietly with no need to engage in chatter. Her presence spoke of contentment, love and peace. Thank you Daddy God, for reminding me of Susan Jean's genuine ability to "Be" and to "Be With".
Happy Birthday dearest Susan Jean, and thank you for the gift of your exquisite beauty and presence in my life.
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