Tuesday, July 2, 2013

The Impossible Dream 7/1/13

From the moment of your injury in January 2011 we knew life would never be the same again. Through the darkest times we dreamed and prayed together that somehow one day you would live a productive, joyful, and independent life. Through sheer hard work on your part and the love, support, and faith of so many, our prayers are being answered and our dream for you is coming true.

Months ago your music therapist, Tom Sweitzer, told you he wanted you to be in their production of "The Little Mermaid". Even I wondered exactly how this could happen. You had barely begun to speak. Just two weeks ago, I watched in awe on the first day as A Place to Be music therapy camp began. A troop of 72 people, made up of children and young adults with a variety of special needs, their volunteer mentors, and therapists came together with a focus and determination I have rarely witnessed. And right in the middle of this troop you sat, with your shadow and mentor Ben, and an enormous grin on your face. Ben, Tami, Shayna and your nurse in the wings were all there to make sure you were safe. In my mother's heart I knew it was time to step away and let you tackle this challenge. And did you ever. This weekend along with all of the amazing talented and determined actors you put on three performances of your life. The last performance was a special fundraising benefit for A Place to Be. In the preshow, several of the students came onto the stage to share their inspiring stories. Then Tom introduced your story and showed a video collage of the last six months of your struggles to regain your voice. As I watched the images on the large screen, I found it hard to relive those terribly difficult months. And then the most miraculous thing happened, you walked onto that stage and joined Tom to sing for everyone "The Impossible Dream". I think I held my breath the entire time. Your voice was clear and strong. Your father's hand was on my shoulder and the only thing missing was your brother, Austin. I so wish he could've been there to share the magic of that moment with you.

You have a long road ahead Darlin, and life will never again be "the same". But you are already living a productive and joyful life. And with your spirit and hard work, along with the love, support, and encouragement of faithful friends, you will one day regain your independence too. The difficult places you have been are unimaginable, but you are on your way now to re-creating a wonderful life.

With love and gratitude overflowing for Tom and his amazing team at A Place to Be, Mum

Here is the link to Forrest and Tom Singing "The Impossible Dream" :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHuFUNbgIEs


7 comments:

  1. Hi Forrest, It sounds like your play was a huge success. I am SO happy for you and your friends!! As your Mom said, you have just made amazing progress, and it is wonderful to see all your hard work paying off now! I hope everything continues to go well for you, your family and friends.

    God Bless,

    Joyce in Missouri

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  2. Well that is an inspiring way to start my day. Thank you Forrest....and Tom. What great stuff you have accomplished. Chase and Ava are here with me now and they watched 3 times and loved your singing the Impossible Dream. Hugs from Colorado. Love to all and proud to be your aunt Forrest. Still praying for you each day.

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  3. nice Forrest. That was awesome keep pumping out the videos those are fun to watch.

    Travis L

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  4. Grandma Norma AllenJuly 2, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    Forrest: That was so great! Wonderful & lots more 'good' adjectives! We are all so thankful for all your great determination and I also can't begin to thank Tom enough for many of the big steps he has perservered to help so much to bring you to achieve THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM. I sat here listening and then singing along with you as I watched it again. Through all these prayers from all over the world for your success God is listening - bringing you to where you are today.

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  5. Standing Ovation from Switzerland!!!! Now, please, pass the tissue box...

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  6. Forrest, you are a powerful force. I was so amazing to watch you stand on your own, unsupported and sing with such joy in your face. Wish we could have been there. Rae, you have gathered and inspired such a tremendously talented team that has pushed and pulled and never taken no or we can't for an answer. Forrest you rose through such overwhelming odds and sustained incredible accomplishments. We are in awe of you and Team 44!!

    Love Aunt Tricia

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  7. Tears of joy coming from Arizona! Well done!

    Christie & Jeff

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