I thought I might write to all of the seniors this year, a note of gratitude. As most of you know, I have limited to no use of my legs and right arm, and it has not been easy by any means. All the falls, all the doctors, all the therapy, all the pain that I've felt... The constant reminder that I maybe can't do this or that because of my chair... It has been no easy road by any means, but as much as my diagnosis has caused me heartache and frustration, it has given me an added perspective. I notice little things. When I was in fourth grade, my condition really made itself known to me and I was starting to feel incredibly beaten down by it. I was sad and angry. Then a classmate of ours kept asking me questions about it and at the time, it was the last thing I wanted to think about.
On Open House night, when we all showed our loved ones our "Hero" essays, this said classmate told their family that they had written their essay on me. I overheard and my throat closed. I had absolutely no idea that I had inspired them so much, and ever since then, saw my life and situation in a different way. I came to terms with my differences shortly thereafter.
At the start of middle school, I became practically wheelchair-bound from sudden mobility loss and also started having convulsions. Nearly every day, they were happening and ambulances were frequently called. Most of you probably have witnessed one or more of these attacks during a class. I can hear everything, see everything, but it's a blurr, and I can never verbally talk during them. It's incredibly frightening for me as well as everyone witnessing or assisting, I know.
But, that's the reason for this letter. Lying in the back of an ambulance, hooked to an IV drip, replaying all the negative remarks rumored to have been said by some, as I was wheeled out - remarks about the eyes rolling, the drooling, the oxygen mask being placed on my face - I would think, 'where is the shoulder? The coming together to help out someone in need?' One day, well at film camp, my chair got stuck in gravel and all 12 of the camp members put their weight into it and pushed all 300 pounds through the gravel and into the building, before the instructors ever noticed, even before I said I needed help. Unfortunately, the next day, I was eating lunch with some new friends and started to have an attack. As the adults rushed to help me, the students quietly hurried into the building. They had gathered in a circle around the gym, and all bowed in prayer for a girl they just met. They were never asked to do this. They were all between the ages of 12 and 16.
Recently, as many have noticed, illness has kept me from school for several weeks. But the messages, the smiles in the hall, the "hello, how are you doing?"s from various classmates has been such a blessing. The understanding surrounding my attacks has been so helpful. Some have offered to help during them in any way, and it blesses me to know you have all been so receptive to inclusion efforts for all students.
The Class of 2014 deserves applause for the incredible example you are setting. It is a great honor to be a LHS 2014 senior, to be associated with all of you and to have made some incredible friendships from these last 4 years. It is with deep admiration, that I thank you all for the overwhelming sense of belonging you have given me and your fellow classmates. The immense participation in clubs like "I Am Norm" has more of an impact than you may realize. It is my hope that you continue to carry yourselves with dignity and respectful behavior, even after high school. Every student deserves recognition. Every student deserves a friend. Every student deserves a place where they can learn without feeling like an outcast, without feeling pressured to be who they are not. Every student that will be walking that stage in June deserves a celebrating crowd, no matter how popular, how smart, how different they are.
Different is the Norm. Isn't that what we say our school is proud of? It is cool to lend a hand, to give just because, to socialize. And all of you... You all have had that desire, just like I did. You want to fit in.
Fit in by being true to yourself. Build each other up.
Every choice you make in every moment, determines the next moment in your life. That pat on the back may be the first pat on the back for someone. That simple smile may break the ice. That cheering in the crowd may win your team a victory. That note to the person in the corner may be the biggest hug ever. That tutoring may help lead to a future doctor. That "get well note"... Well... See how much it blessed me?
Now here's to you, a thank you.
"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." - John Wooden
Below is a photo of the women who have helped care for me since I was little. They have bathed me, dressed me, tied my shoes, done my hair and given me reason to keep on keeping. I am now 18, and still they help me. They help me be who I want to be. They've shown me what life is all about.
Instead of trying to change the world, take on one at a time - one person at a time.
So what does the Class of 2014 stand for? You decide.
Thank you for letting me share this letter with you all. I hope it blesses you.
If you want to learn more about my story click www.hamlin-walkwithme.weebly.com