A volunteer experience…

Enjoy this short story written by one of our young (15yr old) volunteer, Courtney M.  She is wise beyond her years and we are so very lucky to have her at GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry Co.

As I opened the door to the Playhouse, thought were swirling around my head.  Were the kids going to like me?  Did the kids already have a favorite volunteer?  Will I know how to communicate the right way with them?  As I look back on my first day of volunteering at GiGi’s I should have known there was nothing to worry about.  GiGi’s Playhouse is a place where kids with Down syndrome and their families go to play, learn, and a great time with other kids and volunteers.  When I first started volunteering there I know I would have some very special moments with the kids, but I never knew how much those moments would make such an impact on my life.

On my first day at GiGi’s I was very nervous.  As I walked inside, I was greeted by sweet faces of small children and warm welcome from their parents and the volunteers.  I remember thinking to myself that I knew I belonged in this environment with the kids.  I wrote my name on  a nametag and stuck in on my chest.  As I began playing with the kids I soon picked up their way of playing and learning.  While at GiGi’s everyone has a lot of fun.  We dance, sing, read and play with lots of toys.  Another great thing about GiGi’s is that we always order pizza for lunch.  A couple weeks went by and I grew to love the kids more and more each week.

One day when I was playing with some kids by the train set I heard the door open.  A women walked in with a baby.  We soon learned that the baby had Down syndrome and that they were new to the Playhouse.  She had tiny pink mittens on her hands so she wouldn’t pu on the feeding tube that she had because she wasn’t able to eat by herself.  her feet were the size of my big toe and she had a little white headband with a bow on her head.  Everyone gathered around to look at the adorable bundle of joy.  All the adults were taking turns holding the baby. “would you like to hold her?”  Her mother asked me.  “Me?”  I replied.  “Sure,” she said.

A big smile grew on my face.  I was overjoyed to hold the adorable baby.  As she was put into my arms I looked down at her sweet little face, her beautiful eyes looked right into mine.  I felt delighted as she kept looking up at me.  I hoped that she would have a bright future ahead of her.  I gave her back to her mother because it was time for them to leave.  I never got to see her again because they lived far away and were just visiting.  We all said goodbye as they walked out the door.

Another experience that was very important to me happened the last day I volunteered at GiGi’s for the summer.  WE were playing as always when my mom came to pick me up.  I hugged all the kids’ goodbye except for a little boy named Aaron who would never give me a hug when I asked for one.  I said my goodbyes, and I was headed out the door when Aaron ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug I could have asked for. I picked him up and gave him a big kiss.  At that moment I felt so loved by the kids.  The events really touched me as a person because I learned that the kids appreciate me and no matter who you are they will not judge you.  I will never forget my exciting and memorable moments at GiGi’s Playhouse, and I can’t wait to go back next summer!