Patrick Tousignant is a senior at Rice High School. For the last two years Patrick has volunteered for Kayla’s Directory. He has taught kids how to ski, supported them in our running program, and helped out in our Community Bike Day. We would like to thank him for being a positive role model and mentor for all the children we serve. Here is a beautiful piece that he wrote about his experience helping a young girl in our ski program.
I walked up the long wooden staircase to the lodge on a chilly but beautiful February morning. I opened the door to a blast of warmth:, the smell of hot cocoa, and the sound of children laughing. I was already smiling. I scanned the chaotic room full of small children running everywhere, and acknowledged parents standing along the room’s border. I greeted the director and awaited this morning’s announcements.
That morning I was paired with a young old girl. I met parents, was informed of her type of disability, her strengths and weaknesses, and her personality. She had a genetic neurological disorder that delayed her developmental growth. Her muscles were weak. Her intellectual skills, lacking. She was different——but not that different. She enjoyed skiing just like me.
I sat down with the girl to introduce myself. I could tell she was nervous, and I was a little nervous myself. She smiled at me and I smiled back. I hopped into my ski gear and helped her with hers, but I could tell she did not want any help. Her whole outfit was pink and purple, which I assumed was her favorite color. We got in line and waited for our turn for the lift.
She did not like talking much but there was one thing that would get her chatting. Her love of Doritos chips. She would do anything for a Dorito. We went up and down, up and down, up and down the lift all morning. After each run, I would give her a chip as a reward. She followed my tracks all the way down the hill. She was getting the hang of making turns from one side of the hill to the other. She especially liked to go fast. She was a speed demon. One time she was feeling the demon inside of her and said with a giggle, “Look at me!” and zoomed past me. “Wait slow down!” I yelled. I couldn’t catch up to her and stop her but it was too late. “Watch out!” I yelled again. Crash. I caught up to her and noticed a yard sale of pink and purple ski gear all over the hill. “Oh no, I am in so much trouble,” I thought to myself. I should have kept a closer eye on her. I thought I heard the sound of her crying, I caught up to her and tried to help. I noticed she wasn’t crying at all… she was laughing. I felt so relieved. She was completely unharmed. She always had the most positive attitude. I felt good. I was able to watch her learn, watch her fall and get right back up again, but most importantly watch her grow. And feel myself grow at the same time.
Skiing is my all time favorite activity in the world and it felt amazing to share my passion with a partner. After every run, she smiled at me with her crooked baby teeth and her Dorito cheese dusted face. I never hesitated to say “Nice job!” and give her a big high-five. Our relationship made me feel something special, something I’ve never felt before. During our time together, she was able to feel like a regular kid, someone who could achieve his goals. It softened my heart.