Day 4--I am thankful for the kindness of strangers..

...who quickly have become friends.

McKenna has a role in the play, Ebeneezer, performed by the new Ramsey Community Theatre. She loves it. She has had lots of practices which means a lot of down time for her and many opportunities to meet new friends. Phil Bologna is the director of the play and advertised in the local paper that he was encouraging actors of "all ages and abilities" to auditon. I took that quite literally and decided that McKenna clearly fell into that category.
She was excited to audition and Phil, in his graciousness, gently and professionally guided her through an audition. She was cast as "McKenna," a girl who plays a shepherd in the local Christmas production. She has one, beautiful, precious line.

What nearly brings me to tears every time I bring her to a rehearsal is watching the cast include her in such a natural way. All of them didn't start that way. Some of the cast, like most of us, were uncomfortable at first--not sure what to expect from some one with a cognitive disability, not sure what to say, and not sure they would understand what she was saying to them. But, quickly, McKenna worked her way into their hearts.

They don't treat her like she is "special" or different. They treat her like a cast member. They are kind and understanding...taking her hand when she walks on stage. McKenna knows her cues and she could remind the other actors of their lines if they forget. She cries when things are sad and laughs when they are funny. Every time. Each time the other actors reassure her that this is just a play and the actors are not really mad or sad....

What a picture of love...what a gift to McKenna and I am sure many would agree that she is a gift to them. McKenna's line in the play is so beautiful...a request that is fulfilled with each experience at the Ramsey Community Theatre....

She says, "I just want to see Jesus."