I have always loved musicals. Musicals are so diverse. Some of them are pure fantasy, some of them deal with real life issues, but somehow I can always find at least one song that I can apply to my life. I was very privileged as a child, not in a rich, bratty, snotty kind of way, but in a way that my parents believed that it was important for my siblings and me to be exposed to the arts. I clearly remember the first musical/play I saw at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Quilters. I was probably eight years old at the time, and don't exactly remember what that particular show was about, but I know I enjoyed it. My family continued to go to musicals through my teenage years, some at local dinner theaters where we lived, and others that were actual Broadway productions at the National Theater.
We also had the opportunity to participate in day camps during the summer where we were involved in the production of musicals. We took dance classes, singing classes, acting classes, art classes, and at the end of three weeks we put on a Broadway show for our parents and members of the community.
Tomorrow, I am going to the city council meeting in an attempt to get the city to change their policy on the administration of Epi-pens to children in their summer day camps. I have fond memories of going to day camp during the summer as a child and really want my child to have this experience. At this point, my children are not able to have the experience of going to the city's day camps, making new friends, and experiencing all of the activities that go along with summer due to the city's policy that "The City of Denton staff will not administer any type of injection."
As stated in my previous posts, my son Jaden, suffers from anaphylaxis if stung by fire ants. Jaden has only ever had one reaction, and when I took him to the allergist last Friday, it took the equivalent of four "stings" for his body to "react." His allergy doctor advised us not to leave Jaden with any adult who is unwilling or unable to administer his Epi-pen to him. The administration of an Epi-pen is extremely easy, and once you're familiar with the device and how to notice signs of anaphylaxis it really should be no big deal. That said, if you work with children, as I do, you should be trained to administer such medications such as an Epi-pen for a child with anaphylaxis, or insulin to a diabetic child.
I called the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) information line today just to see exactly what Jaden's rights were as a person with an anaphylactic disability. I received some very interesting information. First, the ADA does not consider an Epi-pen "medication." Second, Title II programs or government run programs, such as the city's day camps or the program I work for have a greater obligation to make such programs accessible to those with disabilities. The person I spoke with also informed me that there were several precedent cases similar to ours. I already knew that, and was prepared to copy them, and place them in binders for the mayor and city council members.
I went to Staples and spent $63.00 to make my copies, buy my folders, tabs and other necessary items to put together my case for why the city employees should not only be allowed to administer life saving medications such as Epi-pens and insulin, but required to if the need arises. I know $63.00 is not a lot of money, but this is an issue that the city has not thoroughly investigated, thereby leaving me to do the investigating for them.
As I was driving home, one of my favorite musical songs came on my Ipod. You just don't get much better than Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth singing "Defying Gravity" from the musical "Wicked." I have not yet seen this musical, but would love to see it some day.
As I listened to the words, "Something has changed within me, something is not the same. I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game. Too late for second guessing, too late to go back to sleep. It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes; and leap! It's time to try defying gravity. I think I'll try defying gravity and you can't pull me down!"
And the words continued, "I'm through accepting limits, 'cause someone says they're so. Somethings I cannot change, but till I try I'll never know. Too long I've been afraid of losing love I guess I've lost. Well if that's love it comes at much too high a cost! I'd sooner buy defying gravity. Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity, and you can't pull me down."
It was almost as if God was reassuring me with the words to this song, "There's no fight we can't win, just you and I defying gravity. With you and I defying gravity...So if you care to find me look to the Western sky! As someone told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly. And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free. To those who'd ground me, take a message back from me. Tell them how I'm defying gravity, I'm flying high, defying gravity...."
Tomorrow evening, I plan to do my own version of "defying gravity" at the city council meeting. Someone must advocate for the children of this city. All children should be able to go to camp and rely on the adults caring for them to handle emergency situation should it arise. Tomorrow night I will post my speech to the mayor and city council for anyone who is interested. The idea of being on live T.V. is a bit nerve wracking, but I'm really more concerned about my allotted amount of time. Wish me luck. My challenge to you, what will be your version of "defying gravity?"
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