The Joy of Normal

At the end of the school day, children of varied ages burst from the school doors. Some rush exuberantly, others meander, perhaps tired from the grind or maybe just too cool to run past their friends.  They climb into busses or carpools while loudly clamoring “Call me later!” or “See you tomorrow!” My son waits just inside the doors until his ride is in sight.  Very much like me as a child, always hiding from the wind, looking for shelter even during recess.

What makes this scene so great is the normalcy of it.  When Marcus was born, the concept of normal seemed to fly out of our lives.  I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye.  Instead of a normal birthday, we faced specialists, social workers, and fear.

I was a young mother, forthright and possibly stubborn.  I did not like the term “normal.” It seemed to be the barrier between us and the great, indistinct them.  The doctors told me, “normal infants” will cry in the night; yours will not.  A “normal baby” will roll over at three months; don’t count on this.  “Normal children” will go to school and learn and play and make friends; don’t have high expectations. 

Marcus did cry in the night, and I wept with joy because of it.  He rolled over when he was two weeks old; the doctor didn’t believe me.  And he goes to a school where he learns, plays, and most importantly, makes friends. 

This is what Madonna School gives to him – the joy of normal. 

The Madonna School offers Marcus and over 50 other children a safe and nurturing environment.  He is encouraged based on his own strengths; he is educated in academic and independent living skills.  And alongside his friends, he is moving to conquer the next normal.

Please help us ensure a Madonna education is available to children who need it now and for decades to come.  Browse through the tabs and pages on this blog for tickets to our Celebration event. More information about the school and how you can help. 

Thank you!

                                                                                               (c) Mardra Sikora

Special Gifts

This blog post is written by Robin Moses,

the director of the Madonna Workshop. 

Some view personal disabilities as a hindrance, but at the Madonna Workshop we see individuals with special gifts. Each person has talents that benefit not only himself but also others. 

No one at our shop views their challenges as a way of disqualifying themselves from living a self-sufficient and full life.

They teach us in so many ways to have patience and to appreciate the little things which we might otherwise take for granted. Many days, they teach us that the only real disability in life is a bad attitude.

When I meet with families, it fills my heart with joy to hear parents say:

Acknowledged

This week we are sharing an interview with Ryan de la Garza a member of the Madonna Workshop staff. After fulfilling a variety of job roles at the Madonna School, he moved to the Workshop in 2011 to manage client programs. His care and attention to detail allow members of the Madonna Community to continue to learn and be active members of society.

You've met him before as a guest blogger focusing his attention on clients. To understand the value of the Madonna Shop and the work they do for the community, it helps to also meet the staff and hear their perspective:

Important.

“Hi! How are you today?”

It’s how he greets us every morning, each member of the Madonna Workshop staff, one by one. It’s as though his workday can’t begin until he’s asked each employee how he or she is doing. “Hi, how are you today?”

A simple gesture to be sure, but five simple words mean so much on a slow, early morning. What better way to start the day than to know that someone cares enough to inquire about your wellness? In fact, until Maurice makes his rounds of “Hellos” and “How are yous,” it’s as though our workdays can’t begin either.

Maurice embodies a genuine kindness which extends far beyond his daily greetings and those of the Workshop staff; his thoughtful actions reach our highly valued client base at Madonna via sharing, teamwork, and above all, friendship.

As with any workplace, keeping employees engaged and occupied is an important facet of our daily routine. In order to adhere to this principle,

Special Olympics with Coach V

Diane Vaiskunas, Coach V. as she is called by students and teachers alike, has been a fixture at Madonna School for 34 years. Since first working with Madonna students as a YMCA swimming instructor, her energy and devotion have never slowed down. Coach V. now directs all Special Olympics activities at Madonna.

To Coach V., Special Olympics means more than just physical exercise. She describes practice and games as social events that build team spirit and offer learning experiences that are useful well beyond the court. Special Olympics, coach says, gives students “something to be proud of no matter the level of skill.” Participants get a ribbon whether or not they finish first and, most importantly, they have a lot of fun competing. 

One of Coach V.’s favorite experiences with the Madonna students