Just One of the Gang

In “my other life”, back when I was in my 30’s, I belonged to a group of women known as the Milan Junior Auxiliary.  We were a bunch of “do-gooders” who sought out persons or situations that needed assistance, and volunteered to help.   No situation so dire, no need so great that we would fail to lend a helping hand.

As a very active member both on the local and national level, I will have to admit that my willingness to serve had its parameters.  I knew myself, and I knew that I was very adept at working with children and older people, but volunteering to help adults with special needs and academic challenges was “just not my thing!”  For some reason, I felt lacking.  My communication skills were inept – I just had a hard time relating.

Located in our community was a residential home and work shelter for special needs adults.  The Patterson Center was a thriving place, and their residents were fulfilling a vital need in our community by providing unskilled labor for local industries.  At that particular time, they were working on some component for one of the Fisher Price toys that was being manufactured.

The Junior Auxiliary decided to recognize this wonderful group of people for their hard work and success.  Working with their administration, JA planned a “day in the park” as a means of celebrating the Patterson Center residents.

When the day for this event arrived, Junior Auxiliary ran short of volunteers, and so, as a   dedicated JA member, I agreed to pitch in and help.    I had been instructed to wear casual clothes, good tennis shoes and to bring a baseball glove if I had one.  The day came and I I loaded my van with coolers filled with soft drinks and headed for the park.

It was a beautiful, summer day, slightly on the warm side, and I arrived just as the Patterson Center residents were tumbling off their bus and heading for the softball field.  I joined this group and we spent the morning playing a rousing game of softball.   AND, Could those people play softball!  I chased balls all over the park, and to my surprise, had a glorious time!   I fit right in!

The Junior Auxiliary always made it a point of publicizing their good works, so the Milan Mirror Exchange was called out to make pictures and record the events.

The next week, there appeared a write-up in the paper with a caption under the picture that read:  “Sarah Wilkinson and other residents of the Patterson Center enjoy a day in the park!”

When you looked at this picture you saw a group of sweaty, happy adults with great big smiles on their faces having a wonderful time.  I was so humbled.  The Patterson Center residents had accepted me even though my ball playing skills were limited. I fit right in!

by Sarah Wilkinson
June 2020