Small town mentality or reality?
For me it was reality. Raising kids while living in a small town is an awesome experience.
I gave birth to my daughter, Meghann on June 27, 1987. She was diagnosed
with cerebral palsy shortly after birth. We lived in Sheffield Illinois where I owned
and operated a small salon in my home. This provided me with the opportunity to
raise Meghann while working. One of the perks of working from home
was the time Meghann had to enjoy being part of the community such as participating
in the Sheffield Homecoming parade.
Cute uh? Yes, we won!!
Ben Tuttle as Batman and Meghann as Catwoman. Nena Donna following behind.
Meghann and I were lucky to be able to live in the small community
where she was loved and accepted regardless of her special needs.
If I had to guess, Meghann's diagnosis probably taught not only me but a
few people in our lives a little about patience, acceptance, and unconditional
love.
Sheffield is a small rural town of under 900 people where they park in the
middle of the road on main street still to this day.
In the early 50's the movie theater closed and it was turned into a grocery store.
I heard from a reliable source that the theater usher lost his job but became the
butcher in the new grocery store. I am not sure if I believe this or not.
(I am sure a few life long residents of Sheffield could confirm this fact)
During this time, you could buy groceries then walk upstairs to visit
the balcony filled with televisions, stereos, and VCR'S to purchase. Then you
could buy groceries and sign receipt with a verbal promise to pay it.
Today, you can walk across the street and buy your household large appliances.
One of my fondest memories of living in Sheffield is the local bar, Burrhead.
Later it was renamed R&J's by Burr's sons. This bar was a place where the
old timers met for coffee, and maybe with a little extra kick in it. It was our
own little Cheers. This bar was where the underage couldn’t wait to turn 21
to share a frosty mug of beer with the owner, Betty. And maybe even claim
a ceiling tile with their name on it some day.
The Veteran Park
In this small town, I was blessed enough to have my mom, grandma, and many
aunts, uncles, cousins, and a lot of friends. Sometimes it takes years later to
realize how lucky I was to have all of these people around when I was raising
Meghann.
I discovered first hand what is was like to live in a small town when
I was going through difficult times. Sheffield isn’t just a small town.
It is a community. A community of caring people.
Meghann had several hospital stays,and illnesses that resulted in strokes.
It was during this time that I found out what kind of town Sheffield was
to me. They were supportive, caring, helpful, loving, and concerned. Many
people in town flooded her with get well cards when she was hospitalized.
My salon clients never left when I had to take time off to care for Meghann.
They were supportive and understanding.
The last celebration I spent with Meghann was in Sheffield. It was only fitting to
celebrate her 30th birthday in Sheffield. It was huge!!! She had a beautiful party
with old and new friends showing up to celebrate. Meghann's favorite Aunt V drove
out with her kids. It was a memorable day filled with attention and gifts showered
on Meghann. She loved it!!! It was the last time we would celebrate Meghann’s
birthday with her. Meghann passed away on May 24th a month before
her 31st birthday. It has been three years since Meghann passed away. It still feels
unreal to me.
I will be forever grateful to all of our friends and family for making Meghann’s
last birthday a memorable one. The pictures of that day have carried me through
some difficult days.
I am very proud to have not only grown up in Sheffield but to raise Meghann
there as well. Below is another reason to be proud of Sheffield. A new
wheelchair swing has been installed at the Sheffield park. It may be too late
for Meghann to enjoy this new swing. But the new wheelchair swing will be
there for all the kids now and in the future who are wheelchair users to have
fun in the Sheffield park.
Meghann’s chair may be empty. Her medals may hang without
her but she will never be forgotten.
A new brick on the wall at the Sheffield park. Meghann will always
have a presence in Sheffield.
Thank you to everyone who was and is in Meghann’s circle of love. And thank
you to the residents of Sheffield for always being there for Meghann and me.
Sheffield will always be home to us.
Please think about Meghann when you hear or see someone being mistreated
in any way. The country has made huge strides in disability rights. Lets keep going
to make sure people with disabilities continue to have rights like everyone else to
live productive and happy lives.
Thank you !!!
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights
law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life,
including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the
general public.
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