English - Narrative Writing - Essay Example

I then told her that I was not in the mood to go out, much more attend a party for the poor. The whole idea does not appeal to me. Jessica was insisting that it would be fun and that I will enjoy the activity. I thought to myself, why would an activity with the poor people be fun? I even asked her if there will be cute boys around. Jessica did not answer. I realized at that point that she really wanted me to come and that she felt bad that I would give so many excuses. After the brief silence on the phone, I thought I will just say yes to Jessica to make her feel good.

When I agreed to come, Jessica told me that she will pick me up and we will go to the party together. The Christmas party was held in the community’s basketball court. There were lots of food on one table and another long table with numerous toys for children. Balloons, colorful trimmings and banners decorated the whole court. Christmas carols were being played in the background that gave a festive mood in the usually drab basketball court. Looking around, I saw several children on wheelchairs, while others had crutches.

In one corner was a toddler, obviously suffering from hydrocephalus, who was cradled by her mother. In the other corner of the court, I noticed a group of children who were doing sign language. They were deaf and mute. After a while, a group of blind children with canes entered the court. They were in one line and were being directed by their guide to sit on the chairs in front of the stage. Seeing all those people in the court, I approached Jessica and asked her why there were so many disabled children in the party.

I thought all along it was a party for the poor. Jessica then explained to me that their parents were part of an organization which helped the disabled poor children of the community. In Jessica’s own words she said, “These are the poorest of the poor.” My heart sunk hearing those words. Yes, they were indeed the poorest of the poor. Being poor is bad enough but being disabled at the same time is really unfortunate. Just seeing those kids made me feel so depressed. Jessica noticed the sudden change in my facial expression and she went towards the long table which contained the toys.

She handed a doctor set toy and urged me to go to the boy on the wheelchair. At first, I was hesitant to go but something inside me was telling me to hand the toy over to the boy. I approached the boy and he smiled at me. He was a paraplegic and was unable to talk. I gave him the doctor set and told him, “Do you want to be a doctor when you grow up?” He nodded and grinned from ear to ear and accepted the toy. He hugged the toy as if it was his first time to receive a present. Oh, that smile!

It was the most wonderful and genuine smile that I have seen. Not even the Mona Lisa can surpass that smile. I felt the joy that the little boy felt. My heart was leaping with joy. Now I know why the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent so much time with the poorest of the poor. The feeling is overwhelming that it encompasses your whole being. Suddenly, I was convinced that the saying, “It is better to give than to receive” is indeed true. Not long, the program started and in one part of the program a blind girl was asked to talk in behalf of the group of disabled children.

She thanked everyone who made the event possible. Her speech was brief but very meaningful. She said that they are so blessed to have people like those in the organization who