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I glance down at her chest since she’s wearing a na When I look back up to her face, I say, “Helen…it’s certainly nice to meet you”

One of her hands flutters up to cover her mouth and she shakes her head as if in disbelief that I’ before her Then she playfully swats at me, and declares “Oh Lord You must think me so foolish But I can’t help it My husband, Bobby, and I just adore hockey We didn’t start watching until Phoenix got a teaend Bay I hope you don’t hold that against him”

“Not at all”

Helen seeoes all businesslike “Now, forgive me You said you were here for the art auction?”

“Yup Thought I would bid on so pretty to put in my new house”

Helen’s expression goes all soft and ain She shakes her head and swats at reat hockey player but I just knew you were a nice person”

I can’t freaking helpand she has no probleives me directions to the second-floor community room where I would find all of the art pieces co to be up for silent auction today As I wave goodbye to Helen, I make a mental note to have tickets delivered to her for the next hoame

I know I probably shouldn’t be here and my visit today stands to alienate Blue froet her to open up toabout Billy to one of the other girls and I shah it appeared I was involved in a heavy discussion with Dax about the best brand of tape to wrap our hockey sticks

Fro in on her conversation, I learned the residents here were putting on an art auction to raise money so they can take a field trip to Disneyland Blue described the co with several disabled people Not only would transportation be tricky, but they would need an aide for every single person attending as well as additional chaperones for extra help

It absolutely char that Billy did for the auction and how proud he was of it I don’t know her brother’s artistic capabilities, so I have no clue if I’ a piece of art that looks like it was done by a third grader or by Monet

I don’t care either

I take the stairs to the second floor and easily follow Helen’s directions to the community room There are tables set up all around the peris, sculpted clay pots, photographic art, and weaved baskets, to name a few As I walk around and look at the pieces, I’, there’s also lued to paper plates, but there are so and complex items as well

At so, proudly displaying their masterpieces, usually with an aide, if needed, or a fa questions Some can respond to me, others can’t I make it a point to praise the to see how much pride each person takes in their creation

I don’t know the specific conditions of the other residents here but I know a little more about Billy Blue seereeed my curiosity when I’ve asked questions about hiia, a form of cerebral palsy She had explained that cerebral palsy affectsrees Billy is pretty much confined to his motorized wheelchair for independent mobility

I continue to weave in and out of people who areat the different displays In front of each piece is a clipboard where you can write down your silent bid I bid on a carved wooden walking stick that I don’t need, nor do I know anyone who needs it, but I thought it was a really well-done

And then I co and I am absolutely floored Neither he nor Blue are here which is probably a good thing because I bet the expression on my face is co piece of work At first glance, it’s hard to see it The brush strokes are choppy with thick dollops of oil paint left behind But once you sort of widen your gaze to take in the entirety, you see a forest