How Timmy Changed My Life

Ashtan Chaney I knew the day was coming; the day where I would finally meet him. I had already planned and rehearsed what I would say, how I would say it, and how I would try to handle myself around him, but truthfully, I had no idea what to expect. Timmy, an autistic 8th grader would become my assistant drum major in the high school band. I hadn’t realized it yet but he would also become my inspiration. The first day of band camp I was a bit nervous around him. Not that I was scared, I just didn’t want to make a mistake with him or hurt his feelings in any way. After all, I hadn’t been one on one with a special needs child since middle school. But, all of my nervousness was made up for with Tim’s boldness. The seniors and juniors in the band didn’t damper his spirits in the least! The young 8th grader strutted into the room like he owned the place. He didn’t demand the full attention of the room, he just assumed he already had it. “Hey, Patterson!” he proclaimed across the room to our band director with a massive grin.

Patterson was giving to a kid. “Mr. Patterson,” I said not getting a response. “Mr. Patterson!” I said stronger demanding his attention. “Something is wrong with Tim!” Hearing Timmy was in trouble he immediately stopped what he was doing and hurried to him. He took a quick look at him and immediately seemed to understand what was wrong. He took Timmy’s arm and helped him sit down telling him that he would be okay. “You can’t lock your knees when you’re standing, Tim,” Patterson tells him, but it seemed like he was more addressing the comment to the worried crowd gathering around them. He then informed us that locking your knees can stop blood flow and can cause you to black out, which is what almost happened to Tim. Soon, his color started to return and I took a seat next to him on this podium. “Are you feeling better?” I asked. ”Yeah man, I’m good, I’m good,” he said with a tired