What would Barry have Done

[Janice Boucquez]

This week I attended my cousin's Highschool Graduation, which in itself isn't unusual. William attended a school for handicapped children and kids with ADHD, and other learning disabilities. One of the Graduates was called on to sing our Anthem, but whether it was nervousness or her disability she started it out struggling to remember the words. I was sitting close to the stage and after a brief hesitation I stepped out and locked onto her eyes and began singing to her and she picked up on it and started singing again. To give her more encouragement I raised my arms and gestured for every one to join in. When she finished she looked so happy.
Barry's influence in my life and his song 'One Voice' caused me to do this, I thank him for giving me the courage to do this.



aduate was chosen to sing 'O Canada'

[FairyMoonWitch]

That's a wonderful thing you did! Your story reminds me of this young lady a few years back who was singing the national anthem at a game and she forgot the words. Well, some man (her coach? I don't remember who it was) came to help her with the words. It was a sweet moment. Cheers to you for helping that young lady!

[Laura Scott]

I know how that is - My son was diagnosed with A.D.H.D. at 5, and he is now 22, diagnosed bipolar. HE struggled immensely the same way, in school. And, it took me, doing the same thing for him, when he had to sing with the class - he was the only one too scared to sing, so I looked right at him, started lipping the words, and he raised his eyebrows, smiled, then started to sing with the rest of the class.

Laura.

[Gisèle M Bakondy]

That was a beautiful way to help her out. Gisèle

[Irene Van Gunst]

Hi Janice,

Kudos to you for what you did! Barry and his Music have enriched all our lives to some degree....your helping that Graduate reflects that......"One Voice" speaks volumes, doesn't it.

You helped spread "happiness" to the girl.....something we all feel and share from his Music. Great Job!

Irene VG

[Helen Holdun]

Janice,

What a loving gesture you did for that young girl. I am sure it's something she'll remember for the rest of her life. A great testament to the sort of person you are, and another testament to the kindness Barry's influence has given us all. I'll bet Barry would have done the same thing and would be proud of you.

Your friend in Palm Springs
Helen Holdun

PS I would love to post this on my blog. Please let me know if it's ok with you in a private email.

[Kellie]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.
I know how it is with ADHD...my oldest has it. I always knew there was something wrong with the kid when I noticed other kids in school...and then him. Husband refused to see anything so he never went to the doctor for it. In 2nd grade, I took him and they did a bunch of stuff-sent notes to teachers and had me fill out stuff-came up with ADHD. medication worked wonders! Normal kid when he is on his adderall.
He couldn't stay in a chair long enough to learn anything-plus, gifted kid, so he was bored. The only thing that held his attention was "the little mermaid" movie and video games. He also sings very well.
He's almost 19-still as smart as they come-still on medication....but in real life/common sence type stuff...he just doesn't get it.
Again-thanks for sharing-I enjoyed hearing about that.

[Denise]

Well done.

[Katie Zaccaginini]

You did the right thing here. thanks for helping her out. katie