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Daily News In America: On a mission By Miryam Wiley Saturday, June 21, 2003
Jeff strummed his guitar with a gentle touch. Then Sandra read the words of the two-line script they brought along. “I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness. ... Mother Theresa,” she read. The reading was slow. But Ruthanne Grundfast, their leader, was nearby to help. There was no rush in the task, just a sense of kindness that everyone around seemed to appreciate. And this was part of their weekly service to the community. Jeff and Sandra, along with Bobbie and Richie, are members of the Special Peace Corps of the Strawberry Fields Alternative High School in Millis. At least once a week these young adults with special needs visit different places and take to each business the gift of presence and awareness. “It's a point in time to just step back, reflect and enjoy the moment,” said Peter Harvey, co-owner of the Millis Package Store, as he heard Jeff's message. “It's always good to see smiley faces with an open heart.” They also perform more traditional tasks such as helping with deliveries. The day I followed the Special Peace Corps around I got to see them in action at the Framingham Bakery, the Millis Package Store and the Bethany House Hope Chest, a few of the businesses they visit weekly. Everyone's welcoming style told a story of respect and encouragement. “My Bible has got so many messages in it, I don't know what is going to happen,” said Laura Warren, of Bethany House Hope Center. Right after Jeff's message, Warren kissed each of them, then asked them about Ali. Ali is another student at the school who takes the gift of singing to different places in the community, especially nursing homes. While she is still too young to belong to this program, she comes along at times and leaves quite an impression. “Her singing brings tears to my eyes,” said Harkey, who had also missed her. Joan Thomas, at the Bakery, attached Jeff's message to the wall, then led the visitors to the freezer, where they picked up bread packages and filled large bags they later delivered to the detox center, in a program of cooperation with the food pantry. On their way out, she offered them cookies, as she does each week. “I would like to donate to the Metrowest Harvest and they don't have anyone to pick it up,” said Thomas. “I'm more than willing to donate anything extra I have, but I need people to pick it up. These guys come faithfully each week.” The Special Peace Corps also picks up food from the food pantry to deliver to homebound people twice a month. And if you have driven by the old train station in Millis and seen a personable guy holding a sign, you have seen Richie making sure you are safe. “Honk if you are wearing your seat belt,” says Richie's sign. And people do. Many are seen reaching out to their belts and buckling up right there. Richie smiles and later tells the story of his accomplishments. Grundfast drives them along with a gentle smile and sense of wonder. “You develop such strong relationships with them,” she said. “Patience and love grow along with it.” I must say I was surprised to learn how these special people seem to make a difference in other people's lives when they arrive. But many have seen it. “It's almost intangible,” said Dot Walsh, program coordinator at the Peace Abbey. “I see the in their faces a look of absolute respect, gratitude and appreciation for a moment. I don't know what goes on in their minds, but you see in their faces that they are deeply touched.” Lewis Randa, Strawberry Fields director, said that the Special Peace Corps grew out of the desire to provide an opportunity to serve, in the spirit of Jack Kennedy's Peace Corps, but in one's own community. “We want to express our gratitude to the community that funds the special education program by returning to the community to provide services,” said Randa. "We celebrate altruism and compassion." Grundfast wants to make sure these young people are seen as individuals. “People can see them as very special people, instead of looking at them as a group of people with special needs,” she added. For some who benefit from this community service, the program hits a note that is, indeed, a welcome sound. “There is nothing more powerful than something done with purity and an open heart,” said Harkey. “You know it when you see it. When you say to someone 'the sun is out,' you need no explanation. There is nothing more powerful than that. They are performing a service to me. We all love it! ” “It's the high point of the week,” he said. To reach Miryam Wiley, e-mail inamericacolumn@yahoo.com |
