Good afternoon,
Should you be interested, see the following Youtube video to watch what was said by the girls in addition to the KING television airing referenced below.
On the right of this video, on Youtube, you will see a video entitled More With Tim that is the 2nd part of this afternoon visit. You will be very moved by part 2-
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Three years ago, when these girls were beginning 6th grade, I began introducing various situations to them showing people struggling in society, and in their community, that would allow the girls to reflect and approach solutions from the heart. Within a Language Arts/Humanities curriculum it is a stealth way to lead young people towards wanting to reach out with their very best. Once the kids see they have a voice, their reading and writing tends to improve almost immediately, as they want to reach out and be heard- (Bridget received the highest honors and recognitions for her writing at the graduation ceremony you can watch via the KING TV link below) These particular young ladies looked for ways to reach out to young girls in Afghanistan, kids in Children’s Hospital, people living in tents and on the streets, members of the Duwamish tribe who were seeking recognition as a legitimate tribe, kids on the streets and when they were ready, to a friend who is battling AIDS.
Their outreach has been recognized by the Washington State Legislature (resolution #4652), U.S. Congressman McDermott, the Seattle Mayor, Children’s Hospital, Chairperson of the Duwamish tribe and many homeless who sent special cards to the kids in thanks for their help and support.
As you will see in the first video (13 min) Tim and Friends, they have a true love for each other that transcends all barriers. In the second video (11 min) More with Tim you will hear them respond to questions about death and how they have hopes for the future knowing their lives, and hearts, have made a profound impact on a man who was a stranger two years ago.
Their outreach has been recognized by the Washington State Legislature (resolution #4652), U.S. Congressman McDermott, the Seattle Mayor, Children’s Hospital, Chairperson of the Duwamish tribe and many homeless who sent special cards to the kids in thanks for their help and support.
As you will see in the first video (13 min) Tim and Friends, they have a true love for each other that transcends all barriers. In the second video (11 min) More with Tim you will hear them respond to questions about death and how they have hopes for the future knowing their lives, and hearts, have made a profound impact on a man who was a stranger two years ago.
It has been an honor to associate with these kids as they warm all who come in contact with their overflowing hearts-
“…By taking a chance, putting aside fears and stereotypes, three eighth grade girls discovered an unlikely friendship.
“I seldom get visitors,” said Tim Owens from his bedroom at Bailey-Boushay House in Seattle where he receives residential care. “The days turn into one day into the next.”
All alone in the world, and without anyone to talk to, Tim is also in pain. So much pain that it hurts to get up, and sometimes all he can do is stay in bed, close his eyes, and hope for better days.
But today is one of those days.
Bridget, Allison and Stephanie are like angels to Tim, three students who bring him something that numbs the pain — companionship, laughter and love.
The unlikely friendship developed all because a teacher had an idea, hoping to open the girls’ hearts and minds and to open their eyes.
“I could have said, ‘No, I don’t want to do this, I don’t want to go to some hospital and meet some person with AIDS, I don’t want to do that, I’d rather hang out with my friends,'” said Bridget. “And I would have missed this whole experience.”
“It wasn’t until they came that I started getting a hug on a regular basis,” said Tim. “They don’t think it’s anything but a hug, but to me, it’s life.”
With every moment the girls spend with Tim, they’ve learned that something so simple — a visit — can mean so much.
“We didn’t know that someone so sick with so much sadness in their life could look so happy,” said
“I was just happy that I could just touch somebody’s heart like that,” said
That is what keeps the girls coming back to Bailey-Boushay every few months. Visits are never a chore, but just the opposite.
“I just come here to have fun,” said ___. “I just come here to visit a friend.”
The girls know Tim doesn’t have much time left. Every goodbye could be their last. Which is why, despite the pain, despite the strength it takes just to get out of bed, there’s something important Tim has to do.
On one of the most special days in a young person’s life, Tim made the journey to see Bridget, Allison and Stephanie graduate from eighth grade at Holy Family School. For the first time in a long time, Tim feels good.
“I feel included, I’m not alone, I’m in a very good place,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine missing it for anything in the world.”
This is Tim’s way of saying thank you to the young women who give him a reason to keep going…”
Mimi Jung, Anchor on KING Television in Seattle, wrote the above intro to her segment that aired on Seattle television on 2 June 2011.
KING television shows Tim attending the girl’s graduation as well as scenes shot in his room before I took him to their school for the ceremony.
KING television shows Tim attending the girl’s graduation as well as scenes shot in his room before I took him to their school for the ceremony.
M.Barrett Miller
Managing Director
Let Kids Be Kids, Inc.
Connemara Productions Ltd.
206-604-6679
Advocacy for Those Seeking a Voice.
Managing Director
Let Kids Be Kids, Inc.
Connemara Productions Ltd.
206-604-6679
Advocacy for Those Seeking a Voice.
This story touches very close to home for me, I wish there were more like this out there that were made known. If you are someone looking to be inspired to reach out to someone with AIDS, I also have a story you can read about at my website http://www.stacyebert.com I have learned that when you experience something like this, it doesn’t just help the person suffering, it changes your heart and melts your fears.
I am hoping to release my book titled “It’s You,” the story of my experienced,at the end of this year.
I am so proud of these girls!
Sincerely
Stacy