Last year, we got to know Robert Gray, a retired physical education teacher for special needs children. We were excited that he was again available to come hang out with us at Love & Hope Children’s Home a couple times a week for the last two months.
Robert specializes in rigging up interesting toys and fun therapy equipment out of everyday materials. Last year, Robert made a set of parallel cables on the terrace that one of our children with special needs could use to practice walking. The cables offered support, but also challenged our child to strengthen his muscles and balance. During his time at Love & Hope this year, Robert re-worked the walking cables and he used a loose material that really offers no support as one is walking (but looks like it). It is a trick! Our child’s balance and strength have improved over the last year to the point that he can do it!
Robert also made us a tool bench and lock box. This new piece of equipment will be helpful, to be sure, but we are mainly impressed and grateful for Robert’s talent at including the kids in construction. Even some of our more challenging kids worked perfectly alongside Robert, helping him measure and cut, listening to every word he said.
Sometimes the best toys are non-toys. Any parent knows this; the box can be more fun than the toy inside. Robert is great at making non-toys. For example, he took an air pump, mounted it to a small plastic chair and attached a punch balloon to the end. He invited the little children to sit in the chair and blow up the balloon. In order to do so, they had to quickly sit and stand multiple times on the air pump. What great exercise!
It was fun to watch the special relationship that Robert shares with “T”, the main beneficiary of his concoctions. When Robert entered the house, T seemed to know it right away and would call his name. Besides the therapy equipment that Robert made, he also took time to walk around with T, teach him to do a head-stand, encourage him, motivate him and help him get stronger. Robert’s constant reminder to T was, “Equilibrio, señor!” “Balance, sir!” Their matching sunny personalities and determination are perhaps the reason they get along so well!
Thanks for investing your talents and time at Love & Hope Children’s Home, Robert! Your smile and willingness to serve brightens our day every time!