A Very Special Artist
What Dreams Become
By Lauren Churchin
Every family dreams of their first baby. Will it be a girl? Will she look like her mother or her father? Should her room be filled with pink peonies or perhaps a Peter Rabbit theme? Thoughts of prom, law degrees, white weddings, and grandbabies are soon to follow.
Generally, a family’s dreams don’t include special education, legal fees for guardianship, and fighting for your daughter’s social inclusion, unless you’re Cindy and Ike Harbuck.
Cindy’s hopes of giving birth to the first female president soon dissipated when her daughter, Melissa, was born with Down syndrome. Paint colors and teeny dresses became the last things on Ike’s mind as he struggled to accept the challenges he would face raising Melissa.
Yes, Melissa would always be different from other girls her age, but that was what made her wonderful. She is an angel sent to this world for a reason- to teach us acceptance, joy, and the beauty of our uniqueness.
The struggles became easier and easier, and soon Cindy and Ike began dreaming again.
“The more she is exposed to, the more she absorbs, and any opportunities to participate socially in the community helps Melissa build self confidence,” says Cindy. “When The Arc called to invite Melissa to an art class we were thrilled!” Since high school graduation, Melissa had not had many opportunities for socializing.
Melissa had an interest in art for many years, but never had an outlet for her passion that included other people in the community who would understand and appreciate her uniqueness. Her doodles became increasingly more elaborate as Melissa realized she had found an outlet to communicate her feelings, experiences, and thrills to the world; a luxury that was difficult for her verbally. The Arc of the Capital Area stepped in to provide that opportunity.
“After joining The Arc’s art class, Melissa began feeling more connected with her community,” says Cindy. “It has helped with her listening skills, her ability to accept criticism, and her self confidence.”
Today, Melissa and her family all have dreams of exhibits at fine art galleries and first commissions, but her main wish is for more opportunities to realize her potential and share her gifts with the world.
