Reconciliation and Persons with Disabilities

"In this sacrament [of Reconciliation], the sinner, placing himself before the merciful judgment of God anticipates in a certain way the judgment to which he will be subjected at the end of his earthly life.  For it is now, in this life, that we are offered the choice between life and death, and it is only by the road of conversion that we can enter the Kingdom, from which one is excluded by grave sin."                                                                                                                                                      (CCC 1470)

Not infrequently when the subject comes up, the response- sometimes even by a priest- is to downplay the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the lives of persons who have disabilities.Variations of "what sin could he possibly have committed" or in general speaking of our friends in almost angelic terms.  This attitude is first of all, not realistic, and ultimately does our friends a great disservice.  So, I'd like to spend some time talking about how this sacrament is not only applicable, but essential in the lives of persons who have special needs.

This attitude is commonly directed toward folks who have an intellectual and/or developmental disability.  And to be sure, the US Bishops do tell us, "only those who have the use of their reason are capable of committing serious sin" (Guidelines for the Celebration of Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities 23)  So, yes, some individuals can be safely assumed to never have committed a serious (mortal) sin.  

That said, even young children and individuals with an intellectual disability, are often aware of having done something wrong and experience to some degree feelings of sorrow and remorse (contrition).  These individuals may not be able to specifically describe their sin, but are most definitely aware.   

People who have disabilities are just that- people.  They have moods, challenges, good days and bad days, a range of emotions and behaviors, some of which are in their control, others that aren't.  They are affected by how they feel physically and emotionally.  The difference is as one catechist so perfectly puts it is their transparency.  These individuals do not have the ability to put up the masks that most of us can- if they are having a bad day, you will know it, if they are joyful, they want to share it, and you will know what they are thinking.  

I heard a story recently that is a perfect example.  Lisa is on the autism spectrum and very attached to one of her catechists.  One day, this catechist was not able to give her as much one on one attention as she wanted.  Lisa became very agitated, and had an outburst that ended with her aide having to come and get her, and her shouting "I hate (catechist's name), I hate (catechists name)" as she left.

The next day she, with the help of her aide, called that catechist, said said she was sorry and told the catechist that she loved her.  

The US Bishops tell us that "As long as the individual is capable of having a sense of contrition for having committed sin, even if he or she cannot describe the sin precisely in words, the person may receive sacramental absolution." (ibid 23)  

In fact, even those "who cannot experience even minimal contrition, may be invited to participate in penitential services with the rest of the community to the extent of their ability" (ibid 23) 

And communication skills are not a barrier.  The bishops tell us that "sorrow for sin is to be accepted even if this repentance is expressed  through some gesture rather than verbally"  The priest is simply asked to act with prudence and discretion in asking questions and assigning a penance. (ibid 25)

But WHY... why is it so important that this sacrament not be neglected or downplayed for these individuals?  To begin to understand this, I'd like you to take a close look at this picture from our summer retreat.  For some context, Fr. Dan is speaking about reconciliation, and will next move to the chapel for anyone who would like the sacrament- or even just to talk.  Notice how intent the faces of these individuals are as Fr. Dan shares his own story, and talks about healing relationships, and how God is always ready to forgive us.   

In baptism we are given God's own life, new life in Christ.  Yet, just as our bodies still experience suffering, illness and death, so this new life can be weakened or lost by sin.  Jesus came as a healer: "physician of our souls and bodies".  Often, as in the case of the paralytic, Jesus healed physically through spiritual healing- the forgiveness of sins.  (cf. CCC 1421) 

The call to holiness and the choice of life and death is for all.  Sometimes- as in the case of infants and individuals who will never reach the age of reason, their parents speak for them, obtaining the grace of the sacraments- choosing life.  The great majority of people, however- those with disabilities included- do have at least some awareness, and a sense of contrition, and so need to be formed for this sacrament in a manner appropriate to them, and to have access to it.  Reconciliation is part of each person's call to holiness and constant conversion- working to conform our lives more and more perfectly to Christ, our model.  Which is why it is strongly recommended to confess even venial sins. 

Regular confession helps us to form our conscience, and provides grace to fight against any tendencies toward sin we might have. Reconciliation provides an opportunity to receive guidance, and for satisfaction, doing what is possible to repair any harm done.  Unquestionably individuals who have disabilities are faced with temptations, stresses, challenges, frustrations, irritations and hurts each day- just as we all are.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation provides the grace and strength to face these temptations and challenges with virtue, and a means to repair their friendship with God, to seek forgiveness, when they respond in a way they know is not right.  

So, ultimately persons who have disabilities need Reconciliation for the same reasons we all approach the sacrament... 

• Reconciliation with God, and a recovery of grace
• Reconciliation with the Church
• Remission of eternal punishment brought about by mortal sin
• Remission, at least in part of temporal punishments resulting from sin
• Peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
• An increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle (CCC 1496) 

         

Sharing Your Story

I was preparing to give a talk as part of a panel on multicultural ministry, which included special needs.  I had an idea, and months to prepare it, and over those months went through any number of approaches, statistics, photos, teaching methods etc...

I think it was about two weeks prior when it suddenly hit me how to start this talk, and from that moment on it was a much smoother process- though it had most definitely taken a different turn. Finally I found myself standing up to present and this is how it began: 

"I'd like to introduce you to a very special person, my sister Mary..."  the room was pretty much silent as I told, well, part of our story- to tell the whole thing would take much longer than 17 minutes!

I told my family's story to illustrate what is possible when a parish embraces as one of their own each member of their community: love, mutual help, sacraments- all from a parish without an inclusion ministry or a program for adaptive faith formation.  The reaction is what I did not expect- people were so happy to hear about Mary, they related to my family's story and took in the rest of the talk (which was much more informational) in a completely different way.  So, totally unscientific and off the cuff, I wanted to share some of the good reasons to share your own story.

Empathy: Isolation is probably one of the easiest pitfalls for a family who has a member with special needs.  Yet, we all have a need not only to be heard, but to be validated and to know that we are not alone- and dare I say, not crazy, in our experiences and feelings.

Hope: It is so easy for families to get mired down in daily tasks and struggles- and particularly when your family includes a member with special needs, often life can seem chaotic, but really does have a rhythm all its own. Families and individuals do not always know, or sometimes need to be reminded of all that is possible- participation in liturgical ministries, faith formation and sacraments, parish projects or events, just to name a few.  To know that there is a place they belong and that the gift of the sacraments is available to their family member can be a beacon of hope, and a life preserver.

Because bulletin announcements don't work- nor do surveys in the pew...a personal story or invitation is the BEST way, hands down, to engage others, and get people to come to any event, program, etc... this can be an opportunity to reach out to other families you might already know from your neighborhood, or school or work or...???

You and your experiences have something to teach!  Talk about hard won wisdom... and you never know where someone is on their journey of faith, and struggles they may have, you never know when someone may need to hear what only you can say- or show.

Building a community: Each individual who speaks up and makes themselves known helps a parish get to know themselves a little better.  By sharing your story, you can be part of that.  As a result, the parish is better able to plan with you, instead of guessing, or worse, assuming there is no need, and so better meet any needs there may be.                    

"The Disabled Disciple"

Some of my reading lately has gotten me thinking about discipleship and what that looks like for a person who has a disability.  You know what?   I have come to the conclusion that, frankly, it doesn't look all that different than it does for anyone else!

Let's start with some common denominators... 

First, each of us is created in the image and likeness of God, our Creator.  In this fact, EACH life, EACH person finds his or her greatest and sure dignity.  

We are created unique, with variations of individual abilities.  Each of us has our strengths.  Each of us has our weaknesses-  in other words, we are all in one way or another disabled.  Some weaknesses, some fragility, are easier to disguise than others.  In fact, the definition the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) gives for disability is "the normal and expected outcome of the risks and stresses of the living process"... huh. 

When a person is baptized and confirmed, we are each given the same Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the same priestly, prophetic and kingly mission- the same mission to evangelize "to make disciples of all nations" [Matt. 28:19].  There are no conditions placed on these things- Jesus did not say "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... unless you or they cannot walk, or see or read or...".

Let's think about this for just a minute... Jesus spent a sleepless night being interrogated, was beaten nearly to death, THEN given a large wooden beam to carry, which he was nailed to.  In a very real sense Jesus- GOD- was disabled.  What was he doing during this time?

He was the totally loving Son of the Father- and obedient to the Father's plan and will to his last breath. 

He was teaching- telling the women not to cry for him, but rather to look to their own hearts, and those of their children- even his cry of "My God my God why have you forsaken me" was not so much a cry of despair, as a reminder of ultimate hope and trust- referencing Psalm 22, which any Jew listening would immediately recognize.   

He was forgiving: both to those who were in the midst of enacting his cruel punishment, and extending mercy and hope to the repentant thief who was crucified next to him.  

He loved!  He gave himself totally, even his greatest treasure- his Mother-to us, and gave us to her.

In what seems to be his weakest moment, Jesus achieved redemption and salvation for us all, and through that moment came the greatest hope anyone can ask for- love, mercy, and eternal life. 

Were there certain things he was not "able" to do at that point?  Absolutely!  Among other things, I'd imagine Jesus was not running- or even walking, he would not have had breath enough to sing.  Yet, with everything he had, to his fullest capability, he loved the Father, he loved those around him, and continued his work.  This is something anyone can do, no matter the situation in which they find themselves- and no matter how much or little time he or she is given.  

You may have heard of the story of baby Shane Haley, who was born just about seven months ago. When he was prenatally diagnosed with anencephaly, his parents decided to make the most of their time together- forming a "bucket list" of places and people to visit while he was in utero, and sharing their experience and memories with their friends and family on social media.  Their witness reached further than they could ever have imagined, with nearly a million followers, and their story was featured on many mainstream, national news channels.  What was their witness?  That of a family who love one another, who recognized the beauty and life and dignity of their child, who had no guarantee of life outside his mother's womb.  His short life- which included baptism, has brought attention to this beauty and dignity for others in similar situations.  as the epitaph on his headstone attests, "there is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world"  

We all need help along the way- companions, and cheerleaders and champions to help- and sometimes insist- that we grow to our fullest potential.  In this too Jesus is a model- he had his parents, his helper Simon, and faithful companions even on his journey to Golgotha.

In my work I have encountered individuals who witness to discipleship in such amazing ways- a man who is simply a radiant light of joy and faith.  He was a medical student before suffering a traumatic brain injury in a car accident that also killed his fiancee- and also had to work to regain mobility after being struck by a car just a few years ago.

I have listened to a young woman cantor at Mass, who a handful of years ago had difficulty drawing breath enough to speak.

I watched and listened as a young man who is blind, and on the Autism Spectrum, confidently walked up to the ambo and proclaimed the reading beautifully.

One group prayed with a participant who was was going in for surgery for cancer, and celebrated with her when the treatments were completed.

At our retreat last year, we had an incident wherein one of our participants, who was most likely a little over-tired and over stimulated, hit another- more than once.  In checking with the man who had gotten hit, he was most definitely shaken up, but quickly said he hoped the young woman (who acted out) was OK, and readily forgave her when she came over to him later and apologized.

Our lives are complicated, joyful and sometimes painful- and all of us have weaknesses, disabilities if you will.  What I hope you have seen here, is that there is SO MUCH to learn from those who cannot mask their fragility and disability, that they are called and desire to serve, and that they, and we, need companions on the journey of discipleship, to encourage each other in developing and sharing our gifts, and to walk alongside each other in our need.         

"Where is the star?" Following the Model of the Magi

The Holy Father's homily today was very poignant.  In it, he presents the Magi as models for all of us who seek The Light, and the temptations we face in our journey- that of our own perceptions and expectations, which can deceive us, and the temptation to miss, or reject the humility with which God comes to us.  In the tiny, helpless baby they recognized the One they were seeking, a recognition symbolized by the gifts they brought.

Adoration of the Magi

Pope Francis said something which got the juices running: 
"What is the mystery in which God is hidden? Where can I find him? All around us we see wars, the exploitation of children, torture, trafficking in arms, trafficking in persons… In all these realities, in these, the least of our brothers and sisters who are enduring these difficult situations, there is Jesus (cf. Mt 25:40,45). The crib points us to a different path from the one cherished by the thinking of this world: it is the path of God’s self-abasement, that humility of God’s love by which he abases himself, he completely lowers himself, his glory concealed in the manger of Bethlehem, on the cross upon Calvary, in each of our suffering brothers and sisters."

He is talking about a real stumbling block- something unexpected which challenges the way we view the world, and in a particular way, those around us.  Humility, littleness, real suffering and difficulties, and God in the midst of it all.  That really is a curiosity, a mystery worth thinking about for awhile... God- all knowing, all powerful, eternal- choosing to come as one of us, a newborn infant who needed all the care and protection of his parents, who grew up as we do, learning, working, loving, tempted, suffering and dying. 

Ecce Homo (Behold the Man)

This mystery is very much among us, and the same stumbling blocks we trip on, grasping for understanding- violence and exploitation of all kinds, war, homelessness, even illness and disability.  The people who live in these situations are different expressions of the same path that was foretold and brought into being in Bethlehem and ultimately on Calvary- that of humility.  It was in humility that God revealed Himself, and in which he still does.  

So what's the point of all this?  Well, really a question: what do you see when you look around you?  What do you see and feel when you see a homeless person slouched against a building or at an intersection or when you look into the face of a refugee, or a person with an intellectual or developmental disability?  I can tell you for myself, it is difficult to see faces, eyes, personality- it is hard to not be uncomfortable, to know what to say, and certainly to have much expectation. Yet there is something I have learned: these are people who know, among many other things, something about humility.  Each time we are with our special friends, we learn about joy, gratitude and patience, about providence and perseverance, and about taking care of each other- and a million other things we are always amazed by and which I would say, are the fruit of humility.

Did you read the story about this man, who was given $100 and then followed to see what he would do with it?  Well, as expected, he went to a liquor store.  Then, to the great surprise of his follower, the man came out with a large bag of food, which he proceeded to share with others. 
The point?  If we allow preconceived ideas, our own perceptions of how something should be, to lead us, we can be deceived, we can miss reality.  Without humility we miss the light, which leads us to The Light, the Truth, and which is revealed to us in the little ones, the suffering ones, in those from whom we might least expect it.  

This doesn't make much sense compared with the things we are taught to value.  This is the shift in perspective the Magi had to make, and which is also our constant challenge, as Pope Francis reminds us:   
"The wise men entered into the mystery. They passed from human calculations to the mystery: this was their conversion. And our own? Let us ask the Lord to let us undergo that same journey of conversion experienced by the wise men. Let us ask him to protect us and to set us free from the temptations which hide the star. To let us always feel the troubling question: “Where is the star?”, whenever – amid the deceptions of this world – we lose sight of it." [my emphasis]

Reflections on An Advent Dialogue with the Sick

This weekend I had the joy of beginning Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Emeritus XVI's short book The Blessing of Christmas.  The first part of this book is An Advent Dialogue with the Sick.  There is such a great wisdom and love in his words that just lifted my heart, so I wanted to share some of it with you.

First, though Benedict XVI is speaking to those who are sick, I found myself thinking of all the ways we can be isolated during this time- those who, like my husband and myself, are far from their families, those who are new to the area and have not built up a community of friends, who are in group homes or care facilities, those who work long or odd hours or solitary work, or who struggle with seasonal depression to name a few.  All of these things can prevent people from being able to share in the joy others feel at this time of the year.  In fact, in one way or another, I would imagine this is something we can all relate to, and he presents Advent as "a medicine for the soul that makes it easier to bear the enforced inaction and the pain of your illness. Advent can help us discover the unobtrusive grace that can lie in the very fact of being sick." [or isolated]

The word "Advent" (adventus in Latin) can actually be translated as "presence" or "arrival" (cf Ratzinger).  Typically that is not the first thing we think of: we think first of the waiting, or anticipation of the arrival.  This lends to a different focus- the word is intended to show in a very real way God's presence and closeness, his love- and the blessing he brings in his presence.  Benedict tells us, "in general terms, when they used this word, they intended to say God is here. He has not withdrawn from the world. He has not left us alone. Although we cannot see him and take hold of him as we do with objects in this world, nevertheless he is here, and he comes to us in many ways."

 

Roger van der Weyden The Visitation



When we are sick, isolated or lonely, we are taken out of the rush and routine of typical daily life, where there is little time- and frankly often little encouragement to reflect and make conscious and intentional choices in our external activity and inner life.  Benedict tells us "When I am sick I am obliged to be still.  I am obliged to wait.  I am obliged to reflect on myself; I am obliged to bear being alone.  I am obliged to bear pain, and I am obliged to accept the burden of my own self. All this is hard."  Yet, this is where the time of Advent can be especially full of blessing and meaning, especially for those who are sick, or who are feeling lonely or isolated for any reason.  Essentially what we are talking about is a visit- a visit from one who knows us and loves us more deeply than we can imagine, and who desires to come to us personally. 

 

In this sense, this time, difficult as it really is, can be seen as an opportunity, and Benedict challenges us to see it this way: "The Lord has interrupted my activity for a time in order to let me be still."  He proposes that it is in the stillness that God is waiting for us, and not only that but USING it.  He says, "we rebel against it, this is not only because it is painful or because it is hard to be still and alone: we rebel against it because there are so many important things we ought to be doing and because illness seems meaningless. But it is not in the least meaningless! In the structure of human life as a whole, it is profoundly meaningful. It can be a moment in our life that belongs to God, a time when we are open to him and thus learn to rediscover our own selves."  [my emphasis]

Myself, I begin to imagine the possibilities for someone who has a long-term illness, or who perhaps has more solitary work, or who has yet to build a community.  I have been inspired by the examples of the saints, and the stories of those who strive still, such as that of Kara Tippets (check out her blog at http://mundanefaithfulness.com/).  Benedict poses this question... "If I learn to accept myself in these days of stillness, if I accept the pain, because the Lord is using it to purify me- does this not make me richer than if I had earned a lot of money? Has not something happened to me that is more durable and fruitful than all those things that can be counted and calculated?  I hope I can remind myself of this when I'm fretting because I'm home by myself for a few hours on a Saturday morning because my husband is proctoring a test, or when I wake up at 2:45 am with back pain.  It is a moment, an opportunity I have been given, and He is there, waiting. 

I won't say this is true in every case, but often I have noticed that when a person is chronically ill, or feeling lonely and isolated, small gains, good days, little gestures of genuine friendship, become a beacon of light, and a moment to celebrate.  These memories also remain, and they have the ability to sustain us in the hard days when we are not feeling consolation.  They remind us of the truth that we are loved, that we are not really alone, and that there is good.   

 

Benedict ends with a great challenge, and a reminder:
"Perhaps we should try an experiment.  Let us understand the individual events of the day as little signs God sends us.  Let us not take note only of the annoying and unpleasant things; we should endeavor to see how often God lets us feel something of his love.  To keep a kind of inner diary of good things would be a beautiful and healing task. 
The Lord is here.  This Christian certainty is meant to help us look at the world with new eyes and to understand the "visitation" as a visit, as one way in which he can come to us and be close to us."

**If you are interested in reading the book yourself, here is a link: http://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Christmas-Joseph-Cardinal-Ratzinger-ebook/dp/B003UNLARG


Advent: A Sensory Heaven

I love this time of year... there is such an air of anticipation, light, music, decoration; it is just a feast for the senses!  This makes it a particularly good and easy time to share the story, and point out some ways to use things many of us are already using and doing to share the experience with those who have special needs...

 

The Wreath:

  There is SO much teaching you can do with your Advent wreath! Starting with the colors of the candles, purple for Jesus's kingship, and repentance for our sins, and rose for joy. Some like to focus on a theme for each week: though none are required, typically you will see themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. With the shape and if it is made of evergreens- you've got a nice little reminder of the eternal life we hope for.

 

 Creche:

  There is not a much more visual (and tactile) way to keep our hearts in the reason for this season, tell the story of the Incarnation, and also teach about the preparation and anticipation that by using a beautiful creche.  There are a couple of ways you can do this, I have seen people put pieces out one by one, over the course of the month, or have it all out, but wait until Christmas to place baby Jesus in the manger with a prayer.  Some have their Wise Men travel around the room, arriving at the creche on the Epiphany- which is also a good way to emphasize not only our own journey to Jesus, but also that Christmas is a season, and not just a single day :-)  If you are able, it is worth investing in a creche that can be safely manipulated, but does not look like a toy.  You will be amazed at the story telling and arranging you see. 

 

 

Advent Calendar:

There are many different kinds of Advent calendar, which is wonderful because you can find one that best suits your needs.  There are some calendars like this that are more visually based: each compartment contains a magnetic figure to add to the scene in the middle, which allows you to introduce and talk about each person, animal or object one at a time.  Then, throughout the month we slowly see the picture emerge, which again, is an opportunity to talk about preparing and

anticipation. 

A calendar like this one could almost act as a simplified Jesse Tree, but requires a little more reading and focus than the one above.  For each day there is a small booklet, which can then be hung on a tree as an ornament.  In each booklet is a bible story, a song, or a prayer which can be read, sung or prayed together.  The stories are simply, but well written, and so are very easy to follow and read aloud.  I will say this, having used this calender in a classroom setting: this one can be difficult to use in a large group, if they are one that needs or will push to see the pictures right away, only because the booklets are very small.  I can also attest to the fact that it is durable! :-)   

 

 

Of course you do not have to buy an Advent Calendar... a perennial favorite is the Advent Chain- this was made clear by the absolute joy my religious ed class had this past weekend creating a chain to help decorate the children's activity area for our festival! One really nice thing about this is how personal it is, plus you can also make action oriented, and colored according to the weeks of Advent, Christmas colors, or many colors if you choose! One neat tradition I have seen with this chain is to include some some small action for each day, it could be service oriented, spiritually/prayer oriented, and also include a few things for enjoyment (like make hot chocolate and read a book with someone or take a walk to look at Christmas lights.)

 

Music:

Music has power to evoke emotion and tell a story, with or without words.  That said, does it sometimes seem like "O Come O Come Emmanuel" (beautiful and rich as it truly is) is about the only Advent song in existence?  This is one album that brought some beautiful, different and surprising songs to my attention.  I highly recommend supporting the Sisters and purchasing the CD, but if you just need one song, or want to listen first, pretty much the whole album is on YouTube.  These songs convey a quiet beauty, stillness and longing that complements any Advent prayer time or lesson.   

 

Also, especially considering some of the feast days we celebrate in December, you can never go wrong with a Marian hymn or song- have you heard this one?

You can even find some surprises on what seems to be a secular Christmas album! (Gotta put a plug in for this one too- but won't spoil it, check it out on YouTube, and I am guessing if you don't know Pink Martini it might take a little getting used to, but will quickly become part of your Christmas-time repertoire)

OK, OK, no more song videos... on to the final part I'll mention today: a Jesse Tree.
The Jesse Tree is named as you probably guessed, for King David's father.  It is basically a way to trace salvation history (and the lineage of Jesus) visually and scripturally, and beginning on December 17th, with the O Antiphons, the anticipation intensifies, and we examine some attributes of Jesus (i.e wisdom of God, key of David...).  Again, this is a wonderfully visual way to explore salvation history- it is scripturally rooted, but naturally breaks the story into "bite sized pieces".  Each day a (usually pretty short) Scripture passage is read, and the ornament with the corresponding symbol is hung on a bare tree (branch).  You can take as much or as little time as you have to explore the symbols, but it is pretty much guaranteed the ones you do this with will remember the story :-)  There are many ways to make these ornaments, this is the pattern I followed:  http://healthy-family.org/free-jesse-tree-advent-patterns/ but if you are feeling crafty, this will at least tell you the symbols to include, and scripture passages :-)
 

Next week we'll talk about some good books to share during this time! 

It's Been Awhile! Review of "Produce: Where Hope Grows"

 

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I thought it would be a good time to bring attention again, to a certain upcoming movie.  "Produce" is actually not scheduled to come out until next year, but screenings were scheduled at the Down Syndrome Convention (with the star present, no less!) and I was able to see it there.  It is one of those movies that could very easily get 'passed by' in the theater line-up, but it brings a powerful message, and is one that shouldn't be missed if you have the opportunity.  Now, since it isn't out yet, I don't want to be a spoiler, BUT it is important to know a little about the story.

 

Produce follows the very unlikely friendship of Calvin and Produce.  Calvin is a former professional baseball player in a small Kentucky town.  His career ended when he suffered a panic attack at the plate, and since then has basically been 'skating by' in life, and in his relationship with his daughter, using alcohol to self-medicate.  That begins to change on the day he met a young man named Produce, working in the produce department at the local grocery store.  Produce has Down Syndrome.  With his upbeat attitude, persistent presence, conversation,questions and invitations, Calvin slowly begins to respond, and the two form a friendship. 

 

This friendship slowly begins to affect other parts of both Calvin and Produce's lives. The openness that Produce shares with Calvin trickles into Calvin's relationship with his daughter.  Calvin in turn with his stronger personality, supports Produce in his goals, and things he wants to learn, and in demanding respect from others.  Produce in his transparency, challenges Calvin in his fears, faith and the choices he makes, and ultimately Calvin and his daughter offer a friendship that really becomes more like a family.

 

I will be completely honest.  This movie will not blow you away by it's cinematography or writing.  It is a homegrown, grassroots labor of love.  What will without a doubt leave an impression is the obvious care with which it is done, and the heart of this story: the characters you come to know, the friendship that grows and sows life and hope in the lives of many others. It is also a strong affirmation of the dignity of each person, regardless of their ability- to see each person as a person, with their own story, strengths and weaknesses.   

 

So, in conclusion, keep your eyes open for this movie to come out in 2015, and see it if you are able!  You can follow their news at their website: www.iamproduce.com and on their Facebook page: "Produce: Where Hope Grows"