A power chair and LEGO

I've said this more than a few times over the years. Just about anyone I run into has the chance to be put inside one of my projects. Just ask Fr. Emit.

I see M bring her daughter to mass every so often. The young woman, K, is in a power chair. No matter what kind of day is going on. K always seems to have a bright smile on her face. Bringing joy to those around her.

A few weeks before the photo was taken LEGO had announced that they were releasing some new mini figures. Of note that one was in a wheel chair. As I'm sitting in the choir, I see K and her mom arrive for Mass, some how this struck me more so than usual. You can often times see the struggles in situations like this. Yet here we are at Mass. M and K in the front pew. Seeing this moved me deeply. To the point I spent the entire Mass wondering if I could create a power chair out of LEGO. The intention from the start was to put this in the Season 17 project. It took me an hour or two to come up with the general shape and over all style. The photo is from the early stages. Proof of Concept if you will. But over all I was pleased with the results. The figure sitting is not representing K. I used another figure for her. Once the project is taken down I'll snap a few photos.

What really inspired me is that feeling of joy seeing them arrive. The bright smile that K has when people come up to talk to her. We live in this day and age where those who have a disability are often overlooked. Sadly people don't take the time to try and understand what it is like to live with any kind of challenge. I'm not even sure of the daily struggles K's mom has. But I know she has good family support.

This weekend K had a chance to see the Season 17 project. Later on at a lunch I came over to them to say hello. K told me she really loved the project. I don't recall word for word what she said. By that point I was keeping the tears away. I've had many positive comments for my work over the years. I've gotten some media attention for my work. But K's comments to me. They touched me deeply. A small reminder of why I do this. Why I spend my time year after year. It is to show people that those who have a disability. Like myself. Like K. That even though we have our challenges. God can still use our talents.

-JM