A Junior Board Journey
GRETCHEN AND GRETCHEN
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
By: Gretchen McPherson
How can a little girl with no words cause my heart to speak?
How can a little girl that can barely walk give me the strength
to lead? How can a little girl with blurry vision open my eyes
to a purpose? My world was forever changed when, as a
volunteer in Orange Class, I met a little red-headed girl named
Gretchen. I thought I was there because the class needed me,
but God knew I needed her.
I noticed Gretchen immediately because of her red hair that
matched mine. Having red hair is like being a member of an
exclusive club where we bond straight away. To learn her
name was also Gretchen my heart nearly leaped out of my
chest.
When I first saw Gretchen, it was easy to see her challenges;
she wore braces on her legs, glasses on her eyes, and a bib
to catch her drool. But after spending just a few seconds
with her, I learned her challenges don’t define her. Her smile
melted me and filled me with hope, and in her fearless eyes, I
found courage.
The gym equipment designed by University of Tulsa students
gives Little Light House the students a chance to develop their
motor skills. I loved watching Gretchen march in with deter-
mination, get stronger and grow in balance and stamina. It
was no surprise to me that by the end of the summer she was
walking without the help of her braces.
I could never prepare myself for the impact that summer
made on me. It’s like walking around with your heart on the
outside and each child gets to leave his or her fingerprint, and
in each fingerprint is a glimpse into heaven. Your heart is filled
with unexplainable joy that can only be tamed by being there
to help Him, and when you catch your reflection and see your
heart bursting, you don’t care if it explodes into a million piec-
es because you know you are right where God wants you and
His plan is more perfect than anything you could imagine.
Through Gretchen, God revealed my purpose, and I promise
to walk in His plan. Using my musical gifts and the heart God
gave me for kids with special needs I plan to major in Musical
Therapy. I was not prepared for the impact Gretchen would
have on my heart and my life. I was forever changed and will
be forever grateful. Charlie Brown says it best, “Love is that
little girl with the red hair.”
JOURNEY | 17