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Hey, Emmy!!byRebecca Somoskey |
Emily sank onto the bed and let the tears trickle across her cheeks. “I’m tired of being a little brown sparrow with plain brown hair, plain brown eyes, nose like a beak.”
Her dad called Emily his little brown sparrow because she was always singing. She’d never been brave enough to sing in public, but for the Fire Department Benefit this year David had asked her to sing a duet.
David had made All-County Choir last year, and this was her chance to be a golden canary instead of a brown sparrow. Now Matt was going to spoil it.
Emily didn’t mind that her brother, Matthew, was born with Down Syndrome. She didn’t mind him hugging her at the dumbest times. Like right in the middle of dinner or in the hall at school. “Hey, Emmy, I love you. Emmy, Need to give you “big bear hug,” he’d say.
But if he yelled, or decided to give her one of his special hugs while she was doing her number with David, she’d lose her place. Everybody would laugh and she would feel so stupid. Mom and Dad would be embarrassed. And David would never ask her to sing with him again.
Why did Mrs. Taylor have to give Matt a part in the program? He’d be sitting right on the front row. She had to do something. But what? Maybe she would get strep throat, or she could eat several chocolate bars. Too much chocolate always made her sick. She couldn’t go if she was contagious or barfing all over the place.
“Emily,” her mom called. “Come help Matt practice his part. I need to start dinner.”
Emily trudged to the living room. Matt was wearing a pair of angel wings made from wire and aluminum foil, and a silver tinsel halo. “Angels are God’s gift to us. They make the world a happier place,” he recited in his sing-song voice.
“Good boy, Matt!” Emily crowed. But that’s not what she wanted to say.
Her mom called from the kitchen, “Dad and I are so proud to have both our children in the program this year.”
Emily swallowed hard. She couldn’t disappoint her parents. Besides, David was depending on her.
On Friday night she sank into the seat beside David. Most of the chairs in the community building were already filled and more people were streaming in. A low hum filled the room.
“Are you ready for this?” David asked.
“My stomach is jumping rope,” she said and opened her copy of the program. Matthew’s name was at the top. At the bottom of the page she read, “Song: ‘You Light Up My Life’ By Emily Louise Brown and David Roberts.” Her hands trembled.
Down on the front row Matt was fidgeting. His halo had slipped and was draped over one ear, and a smile lit his whole face.
Some angel, Emily thought, then giggled. At least Matt was having fun.
After the opening announcements Matt strutted to the microphone, looked over the crowd until he saw her, then yelled, “Hey Emmy! Look at me, Emmy.”
Everyone laughed.
Emily’s face turned hot.
Matt repeated his part perfectly and waved as the crowd cheered.
Through the rest of the program Emily thought about Matt and his angel costume. Her parents were so proud. But they wouldn’t be proud of her. Not after tonight. If only Matt would be quiet. Just this once.
“It’s our turn,” David whispered. He took her hand and pulled her to the front.
She prayed as she faced the crowd, God. Make him be quiet.
But as soon as the music began Matt called, “Hey, Emmy!”
Not now, Matt, please, God, not now. The first verse was her solo and she couldn’t miss her cue.
But before Mrs. Taylor could stop him, Matt bounded forward. “Need to give you “big bear” hug, Emmy,” he announced and wrapped his arms around her. The crowd roared. By the time he let go the tape had gone past her starting place.
She wished she could die.
“Just begin again.” Mrs. Taylor smiled reassuringly.
Emily wanted to scream, “God, why did Matt have to be born with Down Syndrome? Why does he have to embarrass me on the most important night of my life?
As the music began again David leaned over and whispered, “Close your eyes, picture Matt as an angel. Angels make the world a happier place.”
Emily closed her eyes and began, “So many times I sat by my window, waiting for someone to sing me his song.” Her voice shook but she kept going. She pictured Matt as a real angel, all white with a silver halo and wings. By the time she reached the end of the verse, her voice was strong and steady.
David joined her and their voices blended in perfect harmony. “And you light up my life, you give me hope.”
He began the second verse.
“Emmy!” Matt yelled, “I love you, Emmy!”
She smiled as the crowd clapped and cheered.
When Emily joined David she wasn’t singing for the people any more. She was singing for Matt. “You light up my life. You give me hope to carry on.”
“Emmy! I love you, Emmy.” Matt cried. His face glowed like a real angel.
I love you too, Matt, she thought. You are an angel. An angel that lights up my
life. God’s gift to make the world a happier place.
To Think About : What made Emily change her mind about Matt? Was it because she was looking for the good in her brother, rather than seeing his faults?
To Remember: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1 NIV
To Pray: Dear God, When I complain about others faults, help me find something good in them. I know there is something good in everyone. Amen
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