You know I love getting out there and hooping for a cause. Entertaining, helping to add joy and smiles to various events… it just fills me up! I arrived at Walk Now for Autism Speaks on a brisk Saturday morning, ready to have fun. I was very limited as to the amount of time I had to stay, however, due to having to leave in order to teach my regular class. Little did I know that even though I was only there a short time, I would still be able to have QUITE a memorable experience…a special moment around autism.
It was almost time for me to leave, when a school band, performing on the main stage, began to play “In the Mood.” That song takes me back to my earlier years, when I was little and my momma & daddy would listen to Big Band music! I love that! So, I began hooping and dancing, really getting into it, of course! As had happened a few times already that morning, a crowd gathered around me, and I began interacting with the kids. I enjoy engaging individual children, especially if it’s a child with autism. I had done it a few times that morning during other songs, plus got several adults interacting with me, as well. This particular moment, however, during “In the Mood,” was like no other I had ever experienced that day or any other. In fact, I was pleased to find three pictures posted in an online public photo album of the event….and these pictures capture it all in sequence quite nicely!
First, you see the little boy come towards me and my hoop, which seems to be floating like a wheel, suspended in air, right in front of me.
Then, the little boy starts to move and dance with me! We began a series of “follow the leader” type moves, and by the end of the song, he actually joined me INSIDE my hoop, as we each held it and did the twist inside, together! His face and emotions were just pouring out JOY!
After the song had ended, everyone cheered, as the boy and I exchanged a big “high-five” on the way walking back to his family nearby. I notice his mom had a tear in her eye, which made me feel a lump in my throat, too. She said “Thank you, ” as we hugged each other. I said, “NO, THANK YOU! I have one of these (pointing to her son), but he’s 24 now! Let me tell you, mom, you have nothing to worry about! My boy was much like your son, and he’s doing amazing things now!” I proceeded to tell her about what my son was up to these days at NonPariel Institute and assured her that you can never know WHAT the future holds for our children. I also told her that I think hooping would be a great thing to help keep her son engaged, a way for them to play together. We were both excited to learn we ARE neighbors, and they live in Arlington, too!
It’s chance meetings like this that just make me realize HOW MUCH my daily passion for hooping actually touches the lives of other people. When I go somewhere and have a special moment like this, I know I am exactly where God intends for me to be. I am on my path, my hoop is my vehicle and my journey is amazing!
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