The Vine - Winter/Spring 2012

by Anita Medina |  March 29, 2012

Hailey spoke for the first time in years!

     As a retired mental health therapist, I wanted to volunteer at Vine Maple Place in some way. Hailey, who is a selective mute and hasn't spoken since she was 4, turned out to be a good match for me.

     Our relationship began around therapeutic horse care, but we soon expanded our list of activities. She is very creative and social, and loves music and dance. She writes volumes to communicate, and would also share about her painful past through writing and drawing.

     We did endless fun things together, but we did more than just the fun stuff. I was Hailey's cheerleader, fill in mother, fill in grandmother, friend and fairy godmother. I wanted to help her be able to identify and express her feelings, to be herself, and to learn who God wanted her to be. I wanted to help her be a confident and responsible young lady. I grew to love her as a daughter I never had.

     Hailey really bloomed in the two and half years we met weekly together. She could look at people in the eye more often. She became more confident and bold, and better at making her own decisions. She improved her grades and was proud of that. She was able to whisper out loud to her brother, dad and close girlfriends, and would leave me whispered messages on my phone. She became comfortable being silly with me and crying with me.

     Only Hailey knows the full impact I have had on her and her family, but I know she has had a positive impact on me. Though she and her dad and brother recently moved to another state, I think I will always be a part of their life in some way. They are very special to me and, while I am sad that they are gone, I am very happy for the new life they are building and I’m grateful that God crossed our paths.