Make a new list

Today we had a guest speaker in our class, Karen Hahne. She was amazing. Her son, Reed, is a local celebrity. He has performed in many plays at the Scera Shell, has been nationally recognized for his achievements, and even carried the torch in the 1996 Olympics. Reed is a 27 year old with down syndrome.

Karen spoke to us with such tenderness. She has had many experiences working with children with disabilities. She started the Kids on the Move program located in Orem, Ut which has become an incredible resource for families. She told us many stories about Reed, and her experience raising a child with down syndrome. Two things really stuck out to me.

1. Presume competence. Karen said this a number of times. She strongly believes that children (she was speaking about children with disabilities, but this goes for everyone) will reach your expectations if you give them something to reach for.

2. She told us about Reed when he was serving his mission. Ever since Reed was 16, he has loved going on dates, and always has a list of girls he wants to date. He served his mission at the Orem institute. The first day he came home, he showed his mom a list of all the girls he wanted to date. She chuckled and said, "you need to focus on your mission. Your mission is two years, and these girls will probably graduate or get married and won't be around after your mission."
"That's ok," Reed replied. "I'll make a new list then"

Life doesn't always go the way you plan it. And that is ok. It's ok to make a new list.
If you have the chance to speak or listen to Karen, you are lucky.