HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.027 2008-2010Yoshimoto, J
From: connie haskell [conniehaskell @yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 6:46 AM
To: dyagong @co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: dikeda @co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto @co.hawaii.hi.us; donishi @co.hawaii.hi.us,
enaeole @co.hawaii.hi.us; genriques @co.hawaii.hi.us; bford @co.hawaii.hi.us;
kgreenwell @co.hawaii.hi us; phoffman @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Little Charlie and the Hawaii County Band
Dear Members of the Hawaii County Council,
This email may come a little late in the game, but I am hoping it will still have some
impact. I have a grandson, who is now 6 years old, part Hawaiian and diagnosed
with Autism at the age of 3. As if his day to day challenges are not enough, he has a
dual diagnosis of seizures brought on by hypoglycemia. Needless to say, everyday of
his existance is a blessing to us.
"Charlie" will probably never be a mainstream athlete, he will never have the
opportunity of riding with the Hilo High homecoming court as a member of a
championship team, or be cheered as an internationally known Sean Penn. Due to
his lack of communication skills and his inability to focus, he will also probably never
be a world renown scientist studying with the Gemini Group at the top of Mauna
Kea.
However, something that I do believe Charlie will astound us all with, is his ability to
create music. When Charlie sings and plays music, it is as if the "tower of babbel"
has been reversed, all communication barriers are broken, hearts are
connected...through the power of music.
Charlie's soul and mind would awake when we would take him to listen to the music
at the bandstand. Even when he was so groggy from the strong medications that
would prevent his seizures and ultimately his death, the soothing music of the band
would break through that narcotic induced barrier and provide a healing that no
pharmaceutical company could ever devise.
Yes, there are other forms of music and entertainment out there, however, removing
the County Band is like closing down all family kitchens and making the statement
that we can only eat from commercial kitchens. It is relaxed afternoons with the cool
Hilo Bay breezes blowing. Cool summer nights under the enchantment of the Hilo
Moon. An undescribable pride when the "Hilo March" is played. Every city needs a
band, just like every body needs a heart.
There has got to be a way...there are so many "Charlie's" out there.
God Bless,
Connie Haskell
3/16/2010
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