Losing Charley

Chapter 13 Part 4

"Fantastic job, Charley and Joe. Now, I would like to ask you a few questions," Dr. Cope says. We both wait patiently. "What were your first thoughts when I announced this project?"

I take a deep breath and decide I need to answer something. "Dr. Cope, if you want my honest opinion, I thought I was going to have a meltdown because I don't do well without specific instructions and deadlines. I felt overwhelmed, but Joe read me like a book and helped me realize it wasn't that bad."

She takes a minute and then responds. "Thanks for being honest. I really don't like when students tell me what I want to hear. Now, tell me what you learned from this project."

Before I can comment, Joe adds his two cents. "I had a different agenda for this project. Personally, I found it a way to get close to the prettiest girl on campus, but little did I know that I would find the most beautiful person inside and out. She not only has overcome hurdles in her life, but she has taken those hurdles, crossed them and carried on. She is a person that I trust with my entire being. I never thought this project would allow me to find a friend that I hope to have for a lifetime."

I am at a complete loss for words, I think. I have to at least say something about him. Dr. Cope looks at me for my own answer. I pause for a second before speaking to gather my thoughts.

"What have I learned from this project?" I swallow hard and then answer the question. "I have learned that it is okay not to be in complete control. Everyone has a past that affects their future, but if you find the right people, they won't let you spin out of control. Joe has been the support that I've needed since I got to Southern. Honestly, I was sure I would be ready to kill him by the time this project was over, but instead, I can't get enough of him and his scaredy-cat self." I wink at him.

Dr. Cope wastes no time with the next question. "Scaredy-cat? Charley, you must explain."

Joe glances my direction, and if looks could kill, I'd be stiff by now. My nerves and the situation have got me tickled inside and out. I just start laughing.

"Joe and I always met at the picnic table to work on the project. One day he was so deep in thought, I decided to scare him. I honestly thought he was going to jump as high as the sky, but then he got kinda mad at me... he got over that, though."

After a brief pause in the room, Dr. Cope asks if any other students have questions. A guy in the back row raises his hand, "Why did you pick that song for the background?"

Joe takes the lead on this one. "I actually had a few other songs chosen, but Charley wouldn't let me use them." I smack his arm. "I'm just kidding. I did give her a hard time, but knew this was the song from the beginning. This song speaks volumes. We are all different and unique. In fact, I took Charley's uniqueness for a weakness in the beginning, but as time passed, I realized that is what makes her Charley, or Squirrel, to me. We each have skeletons in the closets, different opinions, backgrounds, and beliefs. Ask yourself this question. What would the world be like if everyone were the same? It goes perfectly with our volunteer project, every child, regardless of their ability or disability, is unique. As a generation, we need to take others uniqueness and embrace it." The room is completely silent until Dr. Cope speaks.

"I don't think I could have said that better myself. I hope that the others of you in this class will take note of what can be accomplished when you work together. By the way Charley, Quail Hollow... that is impressive by itself. You took what you knew was once important and brought it back to life. Joe, you knew that Charley has a love for animals, even if she does like to eat some of them, and the zoo was a great idea. What truly touched my heart was your volunteering. It shows that you both have a connection to special needs. I hope that both of you take that passion and share it with others. Class is dismissed."