My Hero’s
FROM THE FILES OF MY FORMER LIFE
A few years ago I wrote the story you are about to read after doing an interview at a Springfield Elementary School. I’m reminded of this story because someone from the school invited me to a reunion of these two young men. I can’t go because I’ll be in Portland tomorrow interviewing former Senator Bob Packwood for the Hatfield Documentary Film.
These two boy’s and their story, came into my life when I needed someone to show me, not tell me, that the world had an up and not just downs. I don’t remember what I wrote or how I wrote it. I’m purposely posting it without looking. I remember leaving the interviews with tears running down my face. These two young men could teach all of us what it means to be human beings.
Please take the time to read it.
My Hero’s
There are times in your life when you meet someone and you simply can’t stop thinking about them. I had one of those times yesterday. Two guys. One named Matthew Oakley, the other Andres Herrera-Cerna. Matthew is 12, Andres 8. They both go to the same school. Last year, Matthew had some behavior issues. He deals with Downs Syndrome and used to get frustrated and throw things in the cafeteria. He scared a lot of the other students. Matthew has a difficult time speaking so you can’t really understand him. Actually, you just have to spend time with him to understand him. That’s where Andres comes in.
Andres decided, he wanted to be friends with Matthew. Okay, that’s where you have to stop for a second. This is an 8 year old, who somehow has the ability to see value in someone that the world may not understand. Somewhere in his 8 year old brain, compassion became larger than comparison. Somehow his brain, or his heart, got something that the normal child doesnt’ get. Heck, you and I don’t even get it. Or maybe we all have it but don’t understand the value of tapping into it. I don’t know but I felt like I was sitting in a room with a couple of angels.
In the past year, since becoming friends with Andres, Matthew has become part of the school. He’s turned his behavior around and kids like him. Not just for the camera like him…they actually dig the guy. They sit with him at lunch, call out his name…..and it all happened because one 8 year old boy took the time to make a friend. Now, Andres didn’t do this for some public relations campaign. He doesn’t even know what that means at 8. He wasn’t trying to get an award or his Self Managers Pin. He did it because he WANTED to be friends with Matthew.
HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN.
Andres took a risk and both boys got a huge payoff. Friendship, brotherhood, love. But yesterday was Matthews last day at River Bend Elementary in Springfield. The boys won’t see each other again…or at least for a while. Matthew is moving to another state.
These are some quotes from Andres from the story I did on him.
“Other kids are scared of him and didn’t want to sit by him at lunch. I said don’t be afraid of him he doesn’t do nothing”.
“He’s my best friend.I don’t want him to move. All the time we play. I don’t want him to move. Who am I going to play at recess with”.
“I really want to cry right now (rick says What?) I really want to cry right now cause he’s leaving….it’s a sad day”
“I used to be afraid of how he was born like this. I used to be afraid at those kinds of people. Now I’m not afraid of those kinds of people”.
The whole time I was talking with the boys Andres was rubbing Matthews arm. I have never experienced anything like it. Unconditional love. There is no pity in this relationship. Pity stands out. Pity blocks true relationship. The only way to get beyond pity to pure love is…….I don’t know…..I don’t get it. But I saw it and and want that same ability. I have a couple of new hero’s.
I can’t wait to see what happens with these two young men in the future.
My Hero’s.
.
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Rick,
I enjoyed reading this story, and you’re absolutely correct, this is a rare sight in boys as young as these two. But it’s those moments when people express the fortitude to do what others will not, that those un-conditional relationships flourish and grow into something that neither the participants, nor the spectators can truly comprehend. It is always good to read stories such as this, I look forward to reading any updates you post about these two wonderful boys.
J.R.
Rick, this is great. Definitely follow up with these two. They really do as you say, have that ability to place compassion over comparison. That is a North Star!
Oh Rick these children and others like them are my passion in life. God called me to do his work with special needs children. I love them all with all my heart and soul. You see I work with all ranges of special needs children. Aspergers, Bipolar, ADD,ADHD,OD and many more. What is lacking in our society in my opinion is compassion and understanding of these amazing people. So many people look at the outer shell and not the heart and soul of these children. I too as you see the wonderfulness of them. Please, I beg of all of you to just take the time to really observe who these human beings really are. So they scream, yell, throw things, spit and much more. Look inside and see the sunshine in their eyes, the happiness in their soul just to be accepted for who they are. So they learn different,play different, eat different, they deserve love, affection and understanding as all children do. Thank you for taking the time to see the real Mathew and the befriending of Andres I think more people need to learn from the children. Please, society, open your eyes to the beauty of these amazing people.
Rick, as you know, my 12 year old son has Autism. This is a wonderful story. At my childrens school, they have what they call “Peer Modeling”. It is an amazing program, where typical children are matched, one-on-one, with special needs children. Starting in Kindergarten, they go into the special classroom and help kids like my son with tasks and activities. I have watched these same kids grow up along with Carson, and they are amazing young people who, like you described above, don't just tolerate their “differently abled” peers; they truly love them! Not is it only a good experience for the typical kids and the special needs kids, but this is our up and coming generation who will be doctors, teachers, therapists, researchers and parents. As a child, I was jerked away and told not to stare. I am very hopeful for the seeds we are planting now which will surely grow changes in society for tomorrow.
Yesterday, we had a wonderful day at the school playground with a Matt and Andres Family and Friends reunion get-together. Lots of laughing, loving, hugging, playing and eating juicy, sassy pickles and lunches. Matt's Grandparents are the cream of the crop, supportive in cultivating this beautiful friendship. Matthew has grown taller and thinner and has the beginnnings of facial hair, loves eating vegetables and wants to live a Grandma and Pa's house forever. In Montana, He took first palce in Special Olympics bowling, free standing long jump and one other I am not remembering. He has also one His state's poster contest, which I hope his grandma gets on here and tell about. She is SO proud of him as we all are, so I must save some of the great things in Matt's life for her to tell about. Matthew is becoming a fine young man who values his friendships and family.
Andres is also growing up physically and in our Lord. He a great kid with lots of energy and a huge heart. God has carved out an area in Andres's heart for those with special needs and Andres openly and enthusiastically uses his gift of compassion for others. Maybe it's not a gift because I think we all can have compassion, Andres has an abundance of it and uses it well for others.This year he befriended one of our new students, who blossomed with her new peers because of Andres. She started out walking with her walker and made great strides, running to stay caught up with Andres, all in good fun. Andres is always watching out for her, encouraging her, making sure she is included, holding her place in line while she puts walker away, laughing and joking with her, getting in trouble in class for talking to each other when they should be listening to teacher.
Andres helps our students live an exceptiona;lly normal live, over-looking their physical bodies and seeing their hearts and potential here on earth. When I told him I could see God using him as a special education teacher and our new student being his classroom assistant, he said “Maybe Miss Becky, but I think God is calling me to be a Pastor and tell others about God.” Oh, Andres, even better I encouraged him. He does not realize that daily and moment by moment he showing and telling others about God's great love in how he lives his life for the least of these my brethen. To me he lives, if you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all. Andres asked for a Bible for his birthday and on Good Friday wore a crusifix to let students know Jesus died for them and that is what is good about Good Friday. He's a pastor and a teacher to me. I will enjoy one more year at school with Andres then he will be off to middle school, making the world a better place. Rick thanks for letting me share and sharing God's love through these beautiful boys. Blesisngs, Becky
YEsterday we ha
Yesterday, we had a wonderful day at the school playground with a Matt and Andres Family and Friends reunion get-together. Lots of laughing, loving, hugging, playing and eating juicy, sassy pickles and lunches. Matt's Grandparents are the cream of the crop, supportive in cultivating this beautiful friendship. Matthew has grown taller and thinner and has the beginnnings of facial hair, loves eating vegetables and wants to live a Grandma and Pa's house forever. In Montana, He took first palce in Special Olympics bowling, free standing long jump and one other I am not remembering. He has also one His state's poster contest, which I hope his grandma gets on here and tell about. She is SO proud of him as we all are, so I must save some of the great things in Matt's life for her to tell about. Matthew is becoming a fine young man who values his friendships and family.
Andres is also growing up physically and in our Lord. He a great kid with lots of energy and a huge heart. God has carved out an area in Andres's heart for those with special needs and Andres openly and enthusiastically uses his gift of compassion for others. Maybe it's not a gift because I think we all can have compassion, Andres has an abundance of it and uses it well for others.This year he befriended one of our new students, who blossomed with her new peers because of Andres. She started out walking with her walker and made great strides, running to stay caught up with Andres, all in good fun. Andres is always watching out for her, encouraging her, making sure she is included, holding her place in line while she puts walker away, laughing and joking with her, getting in trouble in class for talking to each other when they should be listening to teacher.
Andres helps our students live an exceptiona;lly normal live, over-looking their physical bodies and seeing their hearts and potential here on earth. When I told him I could see God using him as a special education teacher and our new student being his classroom assistant, he said “Maybe Miss Becky, but I think God is calling me to be a Pastor and tell others about God.” Oh, Andres, even better I encouraged him. He does not realize that daily and moment by moment he showing and telling others about God's great love in how he lives his life for the least of these my brethen. To me he lives, if you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all. Andres asked for a Bible for his birthday and on Good Friday wore a crusifix to let students know Jesus died for them and that is what is good about Good Friday. He's a pastor and a teacher to me. I will enjoy one more year at school with Andres then he will be off to middle school, making the world a better place. Rick thanks for letting me share and sharing God's love through these beautiful boys. Blesisngs, Becky
YEsterday we ha
Yesterday, we had a wonderful day at the school playground with a Matt and Andres Family and Friends reunion get-together. Lots of laughing, loving, hugging, playing and eating juicy, sassy pickles and lunches. Matt's Grandparents are the cream of the crop, supportive in cultivating this beautiful friendship. Matthew has grown taller and thinner and has the beginnnings of facial hair, loves eating vegetables and wants to live a Grandma and Pa's house forever. In Montana, He took first palce in Special Olympics bowling, free standing long jump and one other I am not remembering. He has also one His state's poster contest, which I hope his grandma gets on here and tell about. She is SO proud of him as we all are, so I must save some of the great things in Matt's life for her to tell about. Matthew is becoming a fine young man who values his friendships and family.
Andres is also growing up physically and in our Lord. He a great kid with lots of energy and a huge heart. God has carved out an area in Andres's heart for those with special needs and Andres openly and enthusiastically uses his gift of compassion for others. Maybe it's not a gift because I think we all can have compassion, Andres has an abundance of it and uses it well for others.This year he befriended one of our new students, who blossomed with her new peers because of Andres. She started out walking with her walker and made great strides, running to stay caught up with Andres, all in good fun. Andres is always watching out for her, encouraging her, making sure she is included, holding her place in line while she puts walker away, laughing and joking with her, getting in trouble in class for talking to each other when they should be listening to teacher.
Andres helps our students live an exceptiona;lly normal live, over-looking their physical bodies and seeing their hearts and potential here on earth. When I told him I could see God using him as a special education teacher and our new student being his classroom assistant, he said “Maybe Miss Becky, but I think God is calling me to be a Pastor and tell others about God.” Oh, Andres, even better I encouraged him. He does not realize that daily and moment by moment he showing and telling others about God's great love in how he lives his life for the least of these my brethen. To me he lives, if you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all. Andres asked for a Bible for his birthday and on Good Friday wore a crusifix to let students know Jesus died for them and that is what is good about Good Friday. He's a pastor and a teacher to me. I will enjoy one more year at school with Andres then he will be off to middle school, making the world a better place. Rick thanks for letting me share and sharing God's love through these beautiful boys. Blesisngs, Becky
YEsterday we ha