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Her name is Paula. She is in her 50s and has gorgeous hair and big, beautiful brown eyes. Paula stands about 4 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs less than 85 pounds.
Paula cannot talk, but her eyes express the beauty within her soul. When I am in the room with Paula, I feel that I am in the presence of royalty.
When Paula was born, Grandma knew she had special needs.
Back then, it took doctors years to diagnose a disability or have the courage to tell the parents. Most moms were told to “hide your child.”
By the time Paula was 8, the only program available required Paula to move to a state residential facility.
In fact, 40 years ago, the only option for funding was placement at a Missouri state facility, called habilitation centers. Funding could only be spent in a state home.
At the time, Paula’s mother was encouraged to place Paula in a “hab” center.
I can recall years ago, when parents who were my mentors told me that their special needs child would “spoil,” “damage” or “ruin” their lives.
Can you imagine?
However, times have changed. Several years ago, Paula’s mom knew it was time to move her daughter back home.
Paula came home, and here’s the best part: She has flourished under her mother’s nurturing care. Add to it, Paula has a never-ending smile, which blesses many.
I have met hundreds of extraordinary individuals like Paula who keep me asking, “Where are their state funds?”
Recently, while assisting Paula and a few other special needs families, I have had the opportunity to work with some outstanding state legislators, Rep. Brent Lasater, R-Independence, and Rep. Mike McGhee, R-Odessa.
Now, I am not going to campaign. Heaven forbid, we’ve had too much of that lately. However, I will give credit where credit is due, and these two men are the salt of the earth for people like Paula in Missouri.
I have personally witnessed these two men work endlessly on behalf of their needy constituents and their families. I’ve observed their caring nature and commitment to those who have absolute need. They have visited their homes and protected them.
During a recent visit to Jefferson City, I had the opportunity to watch Brent and Mike advocate for those in their districts.
These families were invited to visit the capital. The families began the day trip with the child’s 4 a.m. bathing routine, followed by a lengthy drive. And this is where Paula comes in.
Her name is Paula. She is in her 50s and has gorgeous hair and big, beautiful brown eyes. Paula stands about 4 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs less than 85 pounds.
Paula cannot talk, but her eyes express the beauty within her soul. When I am in the room with Paula, I feel that I am in the presence of royalty.
When Paula was born, Grandma knew she had special needs.
Back then, it took doctors years to diagnose a disability or have the courage to tell the parents. Most moms were told to “hide your child.”
By the time Paula was 8, the only program available required Paula to move to a state residential facility.
In fact, 40 years ago, the only option for funding was placement at a Missouri state facility, called habilitation centers. Funding could only be spent in a state home.
At the time, Paula’s mother was encouraged to place Paula in a “hab” center.
I can recall years ago, when parents who were my mentors told me that their special needs child would “spoil,” “damage” or “ruin” their lives.
Can you imagine?
However, times have changed. Several years ago, Paula’s mom knew it was time to move her daughter back home.
Paula came home, and here’s the best part: She has flourished under her mother’s nurturing care. Add to it, Paula has a never-ending smile, which blesses many.
I have met hundreds of extraordinary individuals like Paula who keep me asking, “Where are their state funds?”
Recently, while assisting Paula and a few other special needs families, I have had the opportunity to work with some outstanding state legislators, Rep. Brent Lasater, R-Independence, and Rep. Mike McGhee, R-Odessa.
Now, I am not going to campaign. Heaven forbid, we’ve had too much of that lately. However, I will give credit where credit is due, and these two men are the salt of the earth for people like Paula in Missouri.
I have personally witnessed these two men work endlessly on behalf of their needy constituents and their families. I’ve observed their caring nature and commitment to those who have absolute need. They have visited their homes and protected them.
During a recent visit to Jefferson City, I had the opportunity to watch Brent and Mike advocate for those in their districts.
These families were invited to visit the capital. The families began the day trip with the child’s 4 a.m. bathing routine, followed by a lengthy drive. And this is where Paula comes in.
Paula’s mom, who is in her 70s, lifted her daughter’s wheelchair out of their van, then walked the distance to the capital. I am very proud of Mom’s – and Paula’s – tenacity.
A parents’ commitment to a special needs child lasts the lifespan of the child or the parents – whichever comes first.
Mom, Paula and others held a meeting to discuss the accountability of a state program with the state director and their legislators. The group then walked the halls of the Capitol, stopping at the House side gallery.
The House was busy, with continuous speeches and endless chatter.
Paula seemed to enjoy the incessant activities until she saw her mother turn toward the voice of their legislator, who was standing by a microphone. Paula and her family were surprised when Mike introduced Paula and appointed her to serve as the Honorary Page in the 96th General Assembly Second Regular Session.
The legislators stood and applauded.
Paula’s big, beautiful brown eyes sparkled. Those eyes are the voice of an angel.
Thank you Mike and Brent.
