A Beautiful Story

If this doesn't make you tear up, I don't quite know what will. Seriously grab your tissues.
Since today was World Down Syndrome Day this particular story touched me. Not only because it is so emotionally raw and uplifting, but also because it is so true. People with special needs have changed me life: they have given me something to strive to, helped guide me to my calling, made me smile and laugh like no one else, shown me what it means to love unconditionally. No matter if they have Down Syndrome, Autism, CP, or any other special need, they are each beautiful, incredible, unique, and wonderful human beings with a capacity to love that never ceases to astound me. This story is so beautiful because it is absolutely real and something many parents experience each day but offers a message of faith, hope and love. And as we are reminded in Corinthians, the greatest of these is love- a love devoid of stereotypes, prejudice, expectations- just true love. To anyone who loves someone special, someone makes your heart smile and burst with happiness, and who just might change your life- this is for you.

http://donmilleris.com/2010/03/21/nellas-beautiful-story/

Guilty as Charged

Brace yourselves kids because Spring Awakening is almost here. What is it? Oh, I guess I should tell you it. If you're not way into theatre you might not know, but Spring Awakening is certainly a bright spot on Broadway right now. It won 8 Tony Awards in 2007, including Best Musical but all the awards aren't why you should see it (although it probably helps). You should see it because, frankly, its incredible. Seriously go watch songs and clips on YouTube and you'll see what I mean. Although the subject matter is incredibly deep (sex, abuse, teen pregnancy, abortion, suicide, death) the music is modern and rock and songs you cant seem to get out of your head. The story itself is set in the 1890s but the music is all modern and provides a unique juxtaposition with the period costumes. Overall, you forget what time period you're even in because you realize that over 100 years later we are still dealing with and struggling with the same issues. This is a musical that gets at the heart of the human condition and makes the audience realize that they empathize with the characters and really relate to them. In the early 90s RENT changed the way we looked at theatre and defined a generation; SPRING AWAKENING will do that for this generation. So go to www.peacecenter.com and get tickets to see Spring Awakening in Greenville March 16-21 and experience this incredible and life changing show. And then you can join with those who are already guilty ones....