Musical Conversation Between 2 Souls

Have you ever met someone for the first time, and just knew they were special? I've been lucky enough in my life to have experienced this feeling several times, but nothing is quite like the day I met Doug. We were at a recreation event for and with those who have developmental disabilities in the county he and I both lived in (at the time). A couple months prior, I started as the Music Coordinator, the Music Man, tasked with creating and implementing a comprehensive music program spanning several different developmental disabilities and a wide range of ages for the individuals supported at this particular non-profit agency. He was wearing a cowboy hat dancing up a storm, letting loose, and cutting up a rug. It was as if nothing else mattered. He was in the zone! I absolutely loved his energy, so I felt compelled to go over and introduce myself. We hit it off cracking jokes and I knew I was in the presence of someone self-less and caring. Doug is a wonderful person. He's charismatic, incredibly funny, and has a knack for all things music. An avid Johnny Cash listener, he recently started learning how to play the guitar. Even though he's nearing 50 years old and living with Down Syndrome, he didn't let his dream of figuring his way around a musical instrument stop him from starting. To me, that exemplifies the word inspiration. Doug is so easy to get along with, has held a job for a quarter century, and loves shooting pool and spending time with his mom. Somewhere, somehow, I found my way into his schedule of things he likes to do, activities, if you will. To read the rest of this article, feel free to go here. Here's the YouTube video. Enjoy!