Charlie Jr's Journal
February 11, 2010
A Place for Good People
By Charlie Weis, Jr.
I go there nearly five times a week, and my feelings have never
changed. It’s the strange feeling I get every time I visit Hannah and
Friends that keeps me coming back. No matter what the season, hot
or cold, rain or snow, green leaves or the beautiful autumn leaves,
the feeling never changes. The feeling I get when I go there is simply
a feeling of goodness. Every single time I step on the grounds of the
farm, I just feel better about life itself. It may be the beauty of
the farm, with several animals such as horses, goats, and cats or the
beautiful green grass that covers several acres of land. Perhaps that
feeling of goodness comes from somewhere other than that wonderful
property.
At Hannah and Friends, so many good things happen to good people
there. Children with all different types of special needs regularly
attend activities at the farm. These children are able to go to Hannah
and Friends to escape the troubles of daily life where many
“normal” people do not accept them for who they truly are. The farm is
welcoming to all children with special needs. Children with special
needs enjoy the company of those who they can relate to and those who
love and care for them. It is a wonderful place to go for these
children who often are looked at as misfits to society and have
trouble enjoying themselves in public places. Hannah and Friends
welcomes all children with what I like to call “different abilities.”
The children participate in activities such as singing and dancing at
dance parties, running and playing different games at a fair, and
cooking delicious meals at culinary arts classes. The smiles I see on
the faces of these children give me that good feeling deep down.
My sister Hannah who was diagnosed with global developmental delays
is another reason for this good feeling. Many people stare at Hannah
when we are out in public and look at her like she is not as good as
“normal” people. Seeing Hannah have so much fun at the farm, a place
she essentially created, makes me feel good. My parents knew they
needed to do something for people with different abilities when my
sister Hannah was growing up. They founded Hannah and Friends
specifically for these kids. In less than a decade, their vision has
improved the quality of life for thousands of individuals. When I go
to Hannah and Friends, I am constantly reminded of how much the
charity does for those who are not as fortunate as most. Knowing all
the good that comes from this magnificent place is a feeling I wish I
could have for my entire life.
Hannah and Friends is a place for good people. I may not know
the exact reason why every time I am at the farm I have such a good
feeling, but I have a pretty good idea. The ideas that provoke simply
from knowing what good the charity does make you feel great. Knowing
that I am a part of something that helps thousands of people and
improves many lives each and every day truly gives me a feeling that
is unbelievable.
