Dance Like No One's Watching

Hannah Is...

by Nanny

Hannah is many things that make her so unique

Let’s take some time to find them out,

Let’s take a little peek!

Hannah is... a miracle, in more ways than you know.

Because God was with her from the start,

His healing power He showed!

Hannah is... a blessing to everyone she meets,

But especially to her Mom and Dad,

Her life makes them complete!

Hannah is... a student, works hard in school each day,

But like every other student,

She especially loves Friday!

Hannah is... a Christian, the Bible is her guide,

She memorizes from God’s word,

And there she will abide!

Hannah is... a friend, to those she loves and trusts,

They share a song, a loving touch,

And other secret interests!

Hannah is... Crunchie, now what is that you say?

Well it’s Hannah’s sense of humor,

Making us smile throughout each day!

Hannah is... blind, she could not see, from the very start.

She uses her other senses,

But sees mostly with her heart!

Hannah is... autistic, a puzzle piece to find,

But until they do we’ll see her through,

By that she’s not defined!

Hannah is... determined, she works hard for a little control.

She’ll try our patience from time to time,

But with practice ‘we’ cajole.

Hannah is... a singer, the words change with the mood.

Songs with changing tunes and words,

No song for her’s tabooed!

Hannah is... an animal lover, or lover of their ‘sound’,

From oinks, and moos, and baas and quacks,

Their sounds for her abounds!

Hannah is... a piano player, she surprised us all one day,

Could play any song she’d ever heard,

But she first played “Yesterday”!

Hannah is... an artist, created a collage, and did her best.

She explored and glued and won a prize,

For creating a lovely nest!

Hannah’s into sound effects, she loves Yogi and BooBoo.

Today the sound that makes her smile,

Is a sneezing pig - aaahhhhhhhh-choooooooo!

Hannah is... patriotic, she loves her country true.

She sings God Bless America,

And loves Red, White and Blue!

Hannah is... a storyteller, Imagination at it’s best,

She tells a tale for all to hear,

While she is relaxed at rest!

Hannah is... a music lover, with instruments so neat.

She keeps perfect rhythm of every tune,

Her expertise can’t be beat!

Hannah is... a team player, she doesn’t worry about the score.

She cheers and laughs and has great fun,

Of that you can be sure!

Hannah is... beautiful, from the soft curls that frame her face,

To the enchanting glow her heart gives off,

She lights up any place!

Incredibly special, right?

But even more amazing than the gift itself, or even the love, creativity, and thoughtfulness my mother-in-law "Nanny" demonstrates every day, is the young woman who inspired this particular present - our niece Hannah.

I'm going to be totally honest and tell you that I'm not always sure how to "be" with Hannah. Autism makes it difficult sometimes to connect, especially when we don't see her everyday. The fact that Hannah does not see with her eyes adds what could be considered another barrier to reaching her. Sometimes I don't know how to talk with Hannah, or how to make her happy, or what toy she'd like best for Christmas. And that - all that - makes me sad.

There are times I see the hurdles Todd, Maria and Hannah face everyday, and my heart aches that Hannah was born and lives with challenges that are scary, frustrating, tiring, seemingly never-ending. There are many instances when I know of the sacrifices Todd and Maria make and wish they could do the everyday things most of us take for granted. There are moments I watch the look on people's faces when we are out and about with Hannah, and my blood boils. And all that makes me sad too.

I love Hannah, and I love her mom and dad. And because I love them I wish Hannah could see the colors of all the flowers in the garden she loves to be in; and how very beautiful her mom is. I wish autism didn't exist; I wish Hannah didn't have to suffer through seizures and surgeries. Yes, I wish their lives were easier.

Yet Hannah is happy. She laughs and plays, sing and claps. As Nanny said, she doesn't worry about who wins or loses, she just likes to be in the game. Hannah doesn't care if others think her voice is good or off-key; if people like her clothes or not; if anyone else is moving to the same beat she hears. Hannah always dances like no one is watching.

She doesn't bother with what people look like, or what race they are, or what they do for a living. Hannah doesn't concern herself with what anyone says she can't do, she just does what she can ... like sit down at a piano and play a song she's heard once. Yes, she is autistic and blind, but those are just two of the many, many things she is - and I love the way Nanny honors that.

I may always wish something else for Hannah. An easier path, less struggles, more independence. There's nothing wrong with wishing and praying for those things. Yet knowing Hannah - loving Hannah - has helped me to remember to accept who we are, just as we are. To look at the positives, the miracles, the love and faith that overcomes any physical limitation. And she's made me pause and realize that life is so much better when you focus on what's on the inside, and on what brings us together rather than what separates us. She shows every single day that every life has value and meaning.

That's a pretty amazing message for one little 14 year old curly-headed beauty to be spreading, don't you think?