A's Story
We love sharing the stories of the people we meet and why they were chosen for a room makeover from Cecily's Closet. This lovely teen, who we'll refer to as "A" to respect his privacy was born 18 years ago with a rare chromosomal abnormality. He also has Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). CP usually is caused by brain damage that happens before or during a baby's birth, or during the first 3 to 5 years of a child's life. As we can't share too much more about this child as he is in foster care, we just want to say that we are so grateful for the woman who took this child in and cared for him like her own. This child had a rough start in life and never even went to school until after his 15th birthday. Despite this, his teacher remarked that he always seems to have a proud look on his face when others hear this surprising fact! He survived a rough start in life but that is happily behind him now. Thanks to love, support and the heart of a teacher, "A" is happy and thriving in his current life. We thought we couldn't do a better job of highlighting this woman's devotion, than sharing this poem by Paula J. Fox. Heart of a Teacher The child arrives like a mystery box... with puzzle pieces inside some of the pieces are broken or missing... and others just seem to hid. But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out... and help the child to see the potential for greatness he has within... a picture of what he can be Her goal isn’t just to teach knowledge… by filling the box with more parts it’s putting the pieces together… to create a work of art. The process is painfully slow at times… some need more help than others each child is a work in progress… with assorted shapes and colors First she creates a classroom… where the child can feel safe in school where he never feels threatened or afraid to try… and kindness is always the rule She knows that a child can achieve much more when he feels secure inside when he’s valued and loved…and believes in himself and he has a sense of pride She models and teaches good character… and respect for one another how to focus on strengths…not weaknesses and how to encourage each other She gives the child the freedom he needs… to make choices on his own so he learns to become more responsible… and is able to stand alone He’s taught to be strong and think for himself… as his soul and spirit heal and the puzzle that’s taking shape inside… has a much more positive feel The child discovers the joy that comes… from learning something new… and his vision grows as he begins to see all the things he can do A picture is formed as more pieces fit… an image of the child within with greater strength and confidence… and a belief that he can win! All because a hero was there… in the HEART of a teacher who cared enabling the child to become much more… than he ever imagined…or dared A teacher with a HEART for her children… knows what teaching is all about she may not have all the answers… but on this…she has no doubt When asked which subjects she loved to teach, she answered this way and smiled… “It’s not the subjects that matter… It’s all about teaching the CHILD.” And we couldn't have said it better than that! We are sure that A and his supportive foster mother will enjoy this room for years to come! |
Thank you to Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA) for helping us complete our latest room makeover for a teen in need. Teen Volunteers in Action is an organization of young men who, together with their families, participate in structured programs of volunteerism, philanthropy and personal development. TVIA believe that through volunteer projects like Cecily's Closet, these young men will grow up to become strong community leaders. Thank you for once again making such an impact on a family in our community of San Diego! We are passionate about providing volunteer opportunities for youth in San Diego. These teens provide hands-on help to bring the room to life. From painting, to assembling furniture, making beds and interacting with the child in need, the support we receive from TVIA is well appreciated. We are continually impressed with the manners, skills, talents and devotion these young volunteers bring to each and every one of our projects! Kevin Anderson
Mural Artist, Painter, Kevin Anderson is a local living icon in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, San Diego, California. Encinitas's, perhaps most well known and prolific artist, his mural artwork & paintings are a familiar sight, to local residents, painted on buildings and walls all over Cardiff, Encinitas & San Diego, Ca. at large. Kevin Anderson is recognized as one of the single largest creator’s of public mural art in San Diego. To visit Kevin's Virtual Museum, click here. The Beach Retreat, San Diego StyleCecily's Closet was lucky enough to partner with Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA) on yet another magical room. The teens were put straight to work painting a desk, creating a medal display case to display A's new slew of medals, and to hanging the various items around the room. Thank you TVIA for the smiles, hard-work and great day!
The feature wall was completed by our hometown hero, and local icon artist, Kevin Anderson. His work simply speaks for itself. The room is so fun, welcoming and beacons you to the beach. Kevin has a heart of gold and you can't look at his work without smiling. Thank you to Jim Volcert for painting the room for us and our dynamic duo: Julie B. and Hunter for leading the install effort. And last but certainly not least, thank you to our regular handyman and Mr. Fix It, Bobby. Bobby is the calm during any storm and shows up (often unaware of the scope of work!) but always ready to conquer. We appreciate you. After the team left, "A" got up from his chair and started dancing in place and then darted for his room. He began to dance again. His caretaker refers to it as his "happy dance". He walked all around the room looking at the little vignettes and inspecting every little detail. And once in bed, he couldn't stop smiling, vocalizing happily, clapping and even laughing! We are happy to hear that he has been like this ever since and is loving showing pictures of HIS new room to his friends. And thank you to the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation for generously granting Cecily's Closet the funds to keep our organization chugging along! Thank you for making A's Sweet Dream Room makeover a possibility |
Cecily's Closet
