You just never know what is going to happen in your life at any given moment. Such as the look on a little girl's face. I met a little girl at the store while I was working a few days ago. She had purple hearing aides and spoke beautifully. I had to ask her mom about her speech because Tommy was non verbal. I began signing to the girl and her eyes lit up! I was in HER world and not her in ours. It was such a precious moment and reaffirmed my dreams to go to college this fall.

I have such a desire to be a voice for those who cannot speak. Whether it be because they can't physically speak, don't know what to say, or are too young. I spoke for my sister at the doctor two days ago when she was confused and upset about her treatment plan. I spoke for my husband at the doctor today. In addition to his medical issues, he has ADHD. He can't take meds for it because it conflicts with his heart meds. I speak for my children every time I take them to the doctor for their ADHD issues.

Tommy's disabilities were physical. I was not just talking to his doctors about treatments, but fighting for everything he needed just to live. From getting a pulse oximeter approved to fighting to get a nurse in my home so I could sleep. I fought every day for something for him. I see no need to stop now. Tommy represents those children I desire to help. The ones too sick, but not sick enough for assistance. I want to shout it from the rooftops that our kids need to come FIRST. To Hell with bureaucracy, red tape, and referrals. A sick child should NEVER have to do without medical care while waiting for someone in the food chain to say it's okay.

Back to the little girl I was signing to. I certainly don't know enough sign to consider myself fluent, but I knew just enough to communicate. I felt a pride in myself that I was in her world, but I wanted to do more. I wanted to be fluent. I NEED my education to continue to live in her world too. I don't know where my degree will take me, but wherever it may be, I hope it is filled with little children whose eyes light up when I speak for them.