Q.

I've been thinking about how best to use this blog. There have been a couple of things that have been causing problems for me. First of all, I've always been very slow to write things down. After a (short) lifetime of reading great books, I feel like I don't have anything to say that hasn't already been said, and a hundred times better. Secondly, I'm concerned about the people I work with. I don't want to misuse images or stories about the children, or, for that matter, the adults. I think the world of them and want only the best for them. The last thing I want is to take advantage of them through this space.

I decided that the best thing I could do was tell you about the people of Washington who I am honored to spend my days with, so that you will know how wonderful they are. My goal is to have you feel like you know them well enough to pray for them - pray for them as individuals, with individual strengths and gifts and individual needs. After much deliberation, I decided to use their actual names, as I think it is helpful for you to know them. Because I am using these names, however, I ask that you be mindful of who you share this blog with. The last thing I would want is to put these children at risk.

So - you're probably wondering, who is that smiling face? That is one of the most joyful, kind, spirited children I know, Q. She is 8 years old. She has at least 3 brothers & sisters (who I know of...there could be more). She is proud of her mother. Last time I visited the Gardens Q grabbed my hand and told me she wanted me to meet her mom - something that rarely happens with these kids. Her mom is, indeed, a strong, capable woman. One of her sons, M., had a leg broken when a motorcycle ran him over a few weeks ago. She is taking good care of him, and hopefully he will be back in programs with us in the fall.

Q loves music. One of her favorite things is to sit in my car and listen to the radio. She also loves to hold hands, and to sit with you. She's always wanting to be in contact with someone, always wanting to be held and cared for. She's one of those kids that makes you feel special and loved, which I think is amazing, considering the fact that it is MY job to make HER feel special and loved. She's actually become my teacher - showing me how to do that every day.

I've noticed in the past few weeks that Q struggles with severe mood swings. I don't blame her, of course. It's hard to stay happy all the time when you're faced with so much darkness. Sometimes she comes to programs angry, lashing out at other kids. I usually find that sitting down with her and talking to her - asking her what is making her upset - is enough to get her to feel better. Her mother is wonderful, but no one has enough time to give 4+ children all the one-to-one attention they need.


If you are a believer in prayer - and I hope you are - please include Q. in your prayers tonight. Thank God for her joyful spirit, and her ability to make people (myself included) feel special and loved. That is really a unique gift, and I know she can do great things with it if it is encouraged in her. Also pray for her darker moods to not get the better of her. She needs a lot of encouragement (as all these children do) - to stay positive, to stay loving, to stay happy and joyful. It would truly be a tragedy if she lost that.