Favorite Snap Shot

With Special Gifts Theatre being over for the season, it is common to think that it would never cross my mind again. The play is over and I have nothing else to worry about associated with SGT, right?

Wrong. I constantly see things that immediately make me think of Special Gifts. There are always certain scenes I witness that make me wish I was back on stage dancing with Billy or asking him about the movie Cars. I am always reminded on what a great impact he has had on my life.

One of these moments occurred today. At school, there was an All School Workshop, where each student attends different sessions about things people are passionate for. One of the sessions I attended focused on self-awareness and looking at the positive things you have in your life.

One of the activities the class did was visualization. We had to close our eyes and picture a moment when you felt really great about yourself. Without hesitation, I thought of a specific Special Gift Theatre story.

Billy and I at the play

At the end of our last show together, as I was saying goodbye to Billy, we gave each other a huge hug. It was a very deep hug; I could tell he was going to miss me. At that very moment, I felt like I had done my job and created an unbreakable bond between the two of us. The best part? As I was pulling away from this great hug, Billy said in a loud and cheerful voice, “See you next year!”

Him saying that meant so much to me. I have a snap shot in my mind of my giant smile. In that very moment, I felt wanted, and more importantly needed. Billy was counting on me returning next year to be his buddy. I knew from that moment alone that this program was more important to me than anything else I had ever done in my life. 

You've Got a Friend in Me

This past weekend was the day of the play, “Grease”. The play itself was great and Billy and I had a great time. He definitely looked like a true t-bird: hair greased, leather jacket, and sunglasses. I was so happy to see his smile stretch from ear to ear throughout the entire show.

Of course, like any play, there were scenes that Billy and I were not in. It just so happened that our break was right before intermission, giving us time enough time to start a movie in between scenes. Two of the twins’ favorite movies are Cars and Toy Story. Toy Story 2 was the movie of choice, favored by more students in the room.

As the menu comes up on the screen, Billy pats the seat next to him, motioning for me to sit there. In the background, the known song from Toy Story, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is playing.

Billy and I

I looked at Billy and really thought about what I was doing. Over the course of the entire season together, we have grown to be so close. He really does have a special place in my heart that has inspired me to work so hard. One person having so much impact in my life keeps me coming back year after year to this amazing program.

It’s times like these when I realize that Special Gifts Theatre is not about the destination, but the journey to get there. Billy and I do truly hold special places in each other’s hearts. He’s got a friend in me.