writing workshop

“Hi!”

Ruth Ayres

For the past six years I have been talking with a student in our school corporation.  The conversation has been completely one-sided because he has cerebral palsy and isn’t able to communicate with words.  However, as the years have rolled by, he has learned who I am and will respond to me.

He uses a motorized wheel chair and is able to move from class to class independently.  Sometimes he’ll head toward me in his chair and I’ll say, “Don’t run me over!”  He’ll veer off at the last moment.  It’s these glimmers of humor and response that keep me talking with him.

Today I was in a hurry and when I passed him I smiled and said “Good morning!”  He wheeled around the corner of the hall when I heard an electronic voice say “Hi.”  It stopped me in my tracks.

I called out his name, turned around, and quickly caught up with him.  “Did you just say hi to me?” I smiled at him.

He nodded and reached out his hand.  I held out my hand which he grasped and smiled.  It was the first time he has touched me.  “Thank you,” I said, “You just made my day.”

I walked a few more paces with him, chatting a bit until we went our separate ways.

The electronic voice stayed in my ears and made me smile all day long.  It made me realize the importance of developing relationships over the course of time.  I couldn’t help but think about my relationships with teachers as a coach.  It often takes years to develop a trusting relationship.  People have to know I’m genuine and non-judgmental before they will trust me with their teaching goals.  This kind of relationship can only be developed with time.

And just like the electronic “Hi,” when these relationships do go beyond the surface they leave me with a sweet smile.

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Published by Ruth Ayres

Unhurried. Finding the magic in the middle of living. Capturing a life of ridiculous grace + raw stories.

6 thoughts on ““Hi!””

  1. I hope that this is the boy I think it is!!! If it is I too talked to this boy during my years at Syracuse. When I taught half days as a reading recovery teacher, I often filled in for the special needs paras in the afternoon. (it was hard to find a sub for that room).

    This child had such a sense of humor even though he couldn’t talk. I appreciated reading this post!

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  2. Thanks for the comments. I love love love Stuck in Neutral — it is one of the reasons I talk with this boy like I do. I think it would be refreshing to have a “normal” conversation with someone if your brain worked just fine, but your body didn’t allow you to reveal it.

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  4. I just read the best book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper (it comes out in March I believe- I got an advanced copy). This is an awesome book about a girl who has cerebral palsy and can’t communicate. The story is told from her perspective and it is so eye opening to think about how people who have a brain that works, but can’t let the world know their thoughts… great read. I recommend it, especially keeping your little friend in mind. If you want to read another good book about a boy who has cerebral palsy check out Stuck in Neutral by Terry Treuman if you haven’t already- written from the kid who has cerebral palsy’s perspective, so it makes you appreciate life.

    Keep up the good work- I love reading your posts
    ~ Ann H- If you are so inclined: check out my blog at: readwritetalk.wordpress.com

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