A few weeks ago, I was asked if I could help with REALM’s spring production called “Inclusion: Mission Possible!” which was a production delivering a message of how “inclusion” is always the best way.  At first, I was to help with two of REALM’s clients who were participants in the production.  One was almost blind, and the other was my brother who on occasion has a lapse of attention.  I said “For sure”-and so the journey began.

At first the involvement was fairly mundane, but it was not to stay that way.  After a few days of practice, Kerry asked if I would be willing to do the 5-stanza poem that was to draw attention to the predicament some members of the town Squarington found themselves in.  What the heck, I said sure, thinking I would just be reading the poem. However, very soon I realized to get the maximum impact of the poem’s message I MUST memorize and put inflection and action into the rendition.

Why did I feel that way?  Well, when I saw how very hard and dedicated the REALM actors were, how could I not put in equal effort?  So, the process started.  After many days of making myself study, study and study that poem repeatedly, I felt I was finally ready to deliver.

Being on stage was not a big issue, delivery of a poem that could rise to be respectful of all my dear REALM actors/participants commitment to excellence was my motivation.  The reaction of the audience to the message the performance meant to deliver resulted in a raucous standing ovation for all.  Many of the audience were brought to tears with pride for the performers.  To have been given the chance to play a part in this very important message of inclusion has been a very humbling, and an extremely rewarding experience.

Will I do it again?  If given this opportunity again I will say YES, in a heartbeat.

Sharron Billey