Sitting around a table with former co-workers from Hephzibah Children's Association in Oak Park, IL after completing their "Walk for Ella" event we were handed an envelope. Inside was a card that expressed the love and care afforded to us by our Hephzibah Family along with the magnet that is pictured above.
Words that sink deep into one's soul if you only let them.
Words that remind us what truly matters in our lifetime.
Words that invite us to fill our hearts with more "ones".
Words that allow reciprocal love to exist. For it speaks of those we love and those who love us.
Words that speak of the people currently in our lives, those who have passed, and those who are to come.
Many people have told me that Ella has touched so many lives. She has provided inspiration to others. She has given strangers cause to stop and smile at the sight of such a young child faced with the challenges of SMA and holding her grace and dignity all the while.
Each time we take Ella out in public and she is in her power wheelchair, the faces of those who see her ceases to amaze me. Some look away but most look adoringly at her, bringing a smile alongside their gaze as they pass by. Kids are the best to see for they still lack the social etiquette that tells us not to stare. They continue to hold their parents' hand while they turn and twist their body to continue exploring every aspect of Ella and her chair; often times they start being "dragged" by their parents who are actually unaware of the childlike stare taking place. Inevitably the child will ask the parent if they "saw that" and/or make a comment like, "that's so cool". The response of many parents is refreshing as they say things like, "Yes, she really does well in that chair" or "She is such a brave girl".
I wonder if some of those kids or adults speak of Ella later in their day. I wonder if questions are asked of the adults what the answers might be. I wonder if seeing Ella for the brief moments in their lives will make some sort of a difference.
I wonder...
