I have been told by many that
I really should tell my story. Twelve years ago, I had an accident at a water park in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, on one of
the slides. I sustained a head and brain injury. I had to learn how to do everything over again.
Ten years ago when I decided to
take a basket class, I did not think about the challenges that laid ahead for me. Taking that first class changed my whole
life. I had not socalized since the accident and I also had not ventured outside of my little comfortable world and tried
anything new.
I walked into that class and was
immediately overwhelmed by the room full of women. The instructor handed me the directions and told me where to
find the supplies. She was very nice about it and I was to scared to tell her or anyone else about any problems I was having.
I did not realize we would have to read. I had just started to learn how to read and didn't want anyone to know I could not
read well. I was ashamed and was fearful that everyone would laugh at me.
I looked at the paper and had
no idea what it said. I knew the tears were coming and I tried desperately to get out of there before anyone saw me. I left
that room crying and could not wait to get home. The instructor came after me and tried to find out what was wrong. I kept
saying to her that I was ok but I needed to go home. I continued to walk towards the front door. Something
made me stop and think about what was important. What I wanted more than anything was to meet some people and make
a basket.
I decided that ,if I was going
to make a basket, I needed to go back in there. I was shaking all over and could not get enough air. I turned around and went
back into the room and all eyes were on me. I took a deep breath and for the first time since the accident, I admitted that
I had a head and brain injury. I told them that my son was just starting to teach me to read.
That whole class helped me make
that first basket. That first basket is sitting in my mom's house. It came out beautiful. I taught myself how to read with
my son's help and now I am at 12th grade reading level.
That first year everyone in the
class helped me make baskets and helped with the instructions. That whole year I said out loud over one....under one....over
one....under one when ever I made a basket and the whole class never said a word. One day I heard myself doing that and I
asked if I had always done that. It was like in harmony, they all said yes at the same time. I told them I would not do that
again and I havn't. I laugh about it today as I know I must have drove them crazy but they let me do it. I can now create
baskets of my own. I created a "Maine Blueberry Basket" which has become my biggest seller.
I thank Martha, my first instructor,
for the countless hours of help and her never ending patience. I really appreciate all the guidance
from the many people who helped along the way. I am truely grateful to all of you. I also have taken advanced classes
from Cathy who teaches in Cape Elizabeth.
I now help my dearest friend Christine with her basket classes. She is an instructor
at the Sanford Adult Ed, in Sanford, Maine. When school is out for the summer, many of the people from the
Adult Ed class will travel to the class room in her home and weave. I have learned so many new things about basket
weaving and how to be patient with others from her.
When I started taking the classes ten years ago, I wanted to meet new people and weave
baskets. It seemed like such a big goal at the time. I was so excited when I accomplished that goal.
I learned from that. If I take that leap of faith, I can overcome my fears. When I am struggling,
I look back on that day and remember all the good that came from swallowing my pride and walking back into that room.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story! If my story helps one person
along the way, then it was all worth it. I love life today and surround myself with people who are encouraging me to live
out my dreams and hopes. I would love to hear any feedback you might want to share.
I hope your day is a joyful one!
