Harley

"Dear Family" Letter:

Special education is my selected major at Wallace State CC and while I'm not currently enrolled at the moment, I'm excited to get hands on experience and explore avenues of continuing my education. I have an open mind and open heart concerning my career path with an ultimate goal in assisting little super heroes. When I was a child I wanted to be a veterinarian but after my little sister was born that passion shifted and my only career goal is to work with the differently-abled community, preferably children. Since she was born October 2016 I've worked at Holly's Homes caring specifically for a young man with Wolf Hirschhorn syndrome who is non-verbal like my sister. I have volunteered at my local elementary school in the special education department and was so proud when a little boy, who happens to be autistic, read his book from cover to cover without stemming. I was so happy he allowed me to teach him tools that helped him not get so overwhelmed. It always circles back to Isla Hope, my little sister and the impact she has in my life, I've been apart of her team inside and outside Children's of Alabama for the last five years. With her I've acquired the gift of communicating without words, I can understand her cues so well I forget we're speaking a language of our own. I appreciate the knowledge obtained while simply being her brother, like communication skills learned by talking to her doctors, a kinship with nurses as well as respiratory therapist, and how to understand directives given by physical therapist. It's fun to have a hand in her care. When she reaches goals deemed impossible I'm her cheerleader because we celebrate every victory and no victory is small with her. The choice of live- in caregiving was an easy one. It's my dream job and I'll never have to work a day because I'll be following a path I've been ordained to do. The only person that caused me to pause and consider it all was Isla, but to be the best version of me means to share the gifts I've learned with her. Now, I will be able to live each day pouring my heart into another child's life. Children with extra needs also have extra abilities and the deserve a caretaker who understands how extraordinary they are. This experience is already giving me so much zeal and I look forward to achieving my personal goals. This time next year I know I'll be back on track with my education, maybe even add an ASL class and personally become more cultured while exploring a new state. I'm a bright person inside and out, I have my heart to offer, and most importantly I know there is another child who, like my sister, has so much to teach me. I boast a set of ears that can hear unspoken words and enjoy communicating in a way that keeps my heart open. I'm drawn to tiny superheroes like my sister and have found that her theatrical style and flair for medical drama is something I need more of. Because of her extensive hospital stays I've been a part of a world full of kids like her: heart defect babies; kids with wheelchairs or gait trainers; AFOs and limb differences, I know how to prime a bag for tube feeds and push medications; how to change a trach; I understand trilogy ventilators and how loud noises, or an open room could cause overstimulation and that by removing that stimuli and finding something familiar calms their chaos. I've been given amazing compliments by doctors, nurses, therapist like they see how natural I am as a caregiver, that I'm a fast learner, they've noticed how I communicate without words and that I understand her needs, etc. I'm happy other people can see the light in me and perceive it as passion. From September 2020 until May 2021 I spent every weekend with my sister at COA, stood with her in code events, packed her bags when she moved to PICU, helped her move her aching body after surgery( while my parents rested at home with my other siblings) and every weekend while walking past other superheroes rooms I wished I could share this calling with them too. Isla Hope is at home and is stable, so it's time to make new friends. I grew up in a town rooted in food, faith and family values. I've been raised on the knowledge that Jesus and a mason jar of sweet tea calm all internal storms and if your body is restless a walk in the woods or exploring local history will work out those kinks too. Wednesday is senior-citizen night at Captain Ds so I get my Granny B to myself before cleaning the church and Friday I pack a bag to go to see Isla Hope after I get off at the bakery. Saturday is for SEC football (War Eagle) and Sunday's are for Jesus and my Mawmaw's cooking. I'm a cake baker from 4am to 2pm and in the afternoon I'm a gardener, chef, or a problem solver to one of my other six siblings. I'm beyond blessed for such deep roots and the amazing support system I've been given. I know it will be painful to begin a journey on a path I've never ventured but that's change and change can be painful but absolutely necessary for growth. I have a belief that every driver should experience driving through downtown Birmingham, AL at 5p, during road construction, and need to find somewhere safe to pull over and have an albuteral treatment and suction. It really prepares you for all situations. It really helped me to drive an accessible van with my residence, we would go everywhere: doctors appts, to see family, to the park, into the city, etc. Hello future extended family, I want to start by thanking you for opening your home to Apex Social, they have given me an opportunity that I could have only dreamed of, and ultimately created a bridge full of possibilities for us both. I understand that opening your doors is a show of strength for your family. What you're doing is beautiful and selfless act of love for your child, my prayer is that you get the perfect puzzle piece that your little superhero deserves. By now, it is probably obvious that my little sister is the driving force behind my decision to join the Apex team. So I'll get into the nitty gritty of who I am as a young man to help you with your decision. First, the most important relationship I have is the one with Jesus. I have witnessed traumatic events and watched as my sister defied all odds by surviving when she shouldn't have. Jesus goes where I go, I'll have my Bible, and an enthusiasm in my spirit. That being said, I understand not everyone has the same beliefs as me and that's okay. Faith has been the greatest tool for my family so it's important I share that it's the foundation on which I stand. It adds passion, light, peace and understanding to my character. Next, you should know that I have an obscene amount of tie-dye in my wardrobe. And will definitely add more in this next year. The same goes for Crocs and sweaters. Lastly, noodles I can't seem to restrain myself when it comes to pasta. Ultimately, I would like you to know that Jesus, tie-dye and noodles are part of my everyday life as long as you can accept those conditions I'll return that acceptance by providing the same love and care I give my sister, she's also an obsession but I can't bring her so that love and care will be directed into your home. I have some big goals this next year and I believe this is my calling. Providing care is what I'm meant to do and it gives so much purpose to the pain my sister and our family have experienced. I'm passionate about this journey and look forward to matching with a family, my future extended family. Thank You!!!