She belongs in GC

 I'm beginning to realize that one of the true measures of a community is how the most vulnerable in it are treated.

Within a few weeks of our moving to Grove City, Rayna's new teacher introduced a campaign called "YoubelongGC."  She and her husband had t-shirts made and other items printed up with that tagline, and they sold the products at a movie event where they showed a documentary featuring folks with special needs.  I remember feeling so welcomed and embraced by the town at that event, and knew we had landed in a good spot.

This year I have spotted those t-shirts all over the place, and they make me smile every time.  One of the other parents of a special-needs child explained the meaning behind it to me:  he said that "inclusion" is one level of welcoming people with special needs, but even more important is making them know that they belong.  Not just included.  Belonging.

This community has been good at making Rayna feel like she belongs.  Both the high school and the college have given her job responsibilities and provided the supports she needs to thrive.

One of the shops in town has agreed to carry the whole line of "YoubelongGC" items, and students from Rayna's class have been invited to come in each week to check inventory and learn a little about business.

Our neighbor, the high school tennis coach, just told me that part of the team's uniforms for this coming season will be the YoubelongGC t-shirts. I almost cried when he told me.

Just this week Pete was dropping her off at school in the morning and the principal of the school happened to be near the door.  He came over to Pete's car and asked if he was Rayna's dad.  When he said he was the principal said, "We just want you to know that we love having Rayna here as a student!  She is so sweet and friendly and we're glad she's here."  When you have leadership like that, it is easier to see why everyone has been so good to her.

It is not uncommon for us to see a high school student out and about who will say hi to Rayna, and I often see kids greet her and hold the door for her when she arrives at school.  I love that they take care of her.

This past week I let Rayna do one of her favorite errands, going to pick up the greens/vegetables we order each week from Harmony Grove.  Since it's within walking distance, I let her go independently, which she loves.  I had forgotten to pay ahead of time this week, but the girl selling the greens let Rayna take our order home anyway.  When I went back with the payment, I explained to the girl that R has special needs, in case she sometimes doesn't make sense.  The girl had the kindest response, telling me how much she loves people with special needs and feels like she not only connects with them but is actually blessed by them.

Yes indeed, this community has made us feel like Rayna belongs -- and that we all do.  

We are thankful.