Welcome!

I'm starting this blog to chronicle the adventures I'm about to embark in this summer as I work with my town's Buddy Ball league. Some may ask how I came to be involved with Buddy Ball, automatically assuming I'm doing it for a relative or loved one. The truth is, I don't have a loved one with a disability. I'm doing this for me, as a result of a 10 minute friendship that forever changed my life.

I have never found love before the 4th of July.

Have you ever met someone who inexplicably changed your life forever in just one magical night? I've been lucky enough to meet people throughout my life who have changed me forever, but generally after a bit of time. Last night, I met a boy who made me smile like nobody else could.

His name was Dougie, and he had Downs Syndrome.

While I've worked with little kids with Downs occasionally, and I had a regular customer at work who was challenged, I can't recall ever meeting anyone like Dougie. He is probably one of the most amazing individuals I'll ever meet.

The fireworks were scheduled to begin around 9:30. I had noticed Dougie and his 2 elderly parents sitting in front of us throughout the evening, as he was extremely happy and excited to be at the hs for fireworks. It melted my heart to see someone above the age of 5 as excited about fireworks as i was! At some point, his parents must've been talking or something, as Dougie got up and left without them noticing. I wouldn't have noticed myself, except that Dougie ended up next to me.

I was sitting on my blanket, reading "School of the Arts" for the umpteenth time while my family went to go get popcorn, something I'm no longer supposed to eat, when I felt someone sit next to me. I put down my book, expecting to see my brother. Instead, I saw Dougie.

"Hi. I'm... Dougie. What's your... name?" he asked. I smiled and replied, "Hi Dougie, I'm Kailynn." At that point, his parents came running over, starting to scold Dougie and apologizing profusely to me. I smiled and said that it was no problem, we were just talking. Dougie looked at his parents and said, "You're sitting... right there. Can I... stay... with Kailynn? For... a little bit?... Puh-lease?" His parents exchanged worried glances, and I told them if they didn't mind, he could sit with me on my blanket for a little bit. They agreed, and Dougie gave both them and me the biggest grin I've ever seen.

When his parents left, Dougie, being the ladies man that he is, held my hand. I smiled and asked, "Dougie, why do you want to sit with me?" He looked and me and matter-of-factly replied, "Because... you're pretty....and...nice. I want....to be your...friend." We held hands and talked for ten minutes or so before Dougie's mom told him it was time to come back and sit by his parents. I stood up with Dougie to say goodbye, and before I could even say a word, he gave me the biggest, tightest hug I've ever received. His hug was so full of love and tenderness-- I've never been more genuinely hugged! He then let go and gave me a huge, toothy smile, saying "Have fun...Kailynn!" I told him to do the same and he happily ran back to his parents, who smiled at me wholeheartedly before hugging their son and having him sit down with them.

My family came back at this point, and my brother jokingly asked, "So, Kailynn, who was that guy? You finally meet the perfect man for you?" I laughed it off at the time, but the truth is, I did.

Dougie was one of the most genuine, heartfelt individuals I will ever have the privilege of meeting, and even if we were just friends for one night, it is a night I will cherish for the rest of my life. The world needs more Dougies in it. <3

That, my friends, is the reason I'm getting involved with Buddy Ball. I start tonight, and I cannot remember being more excited for anything else.