by Sabrina Stafford, MT-BC

Being able to say that I know what my true calling in life is at the age of 24 is a special gift that I have been handed.

I was blessed enough to ring in my New Year’s Day next to my sister wearing bright orange jackets on the Easterseals Float in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. I put my arm around Sophia as we waved for three hours at strangers who smiled and waved at us, wishing us a “Happy New Year!” Although my brother, Sammy, could not attend the parade with us due to his medical needs, I knew that he was safe, healthy, and happy at home watching us on TV.

Sophia and I were nominated by our local Easterseals affiliate to represent us nationally on the float. With us were 10 other individuals who have benefited from Easterseals. Although I was only with these individuals for a few short days, I was able to make connections that I still hold with me in my heart. I think about Reagan, who advocates for herself and others with verbal apraxia using social media as her outlet. I think about Danny, who gives a voice to those with disabilities and how important it is to have “hope” in our lives. I think about Lora and her overall passion for Easterseals (and Dr. Who). And I think about Kaison, our youngest float rider, who couldn’t stop talking about how excited he was to be on the float and celebrate Easterseals with the world. I could go on about how inspiring it was to not only ride the float with these individuals but spread the word about the magic of Easterseals with thousands of people.

About a quarter of a way through the parade, I saw something beautiful: a sea of orange. That’s right, I saw a whole section of people wearing orange hats, orange shirts, and waving orange tassels in the air. These people were cheering for us and clapping their hands. Amongst the sea, were my parents who I was lucky enough to bring along with me on this adventure. Although Sophia and I were on the opposite side of the float, we frantically spun our chairs around and waved our arms high up in the air to say hi.

Besides seeing and hearing this orange sea, I could FEEL it. I have never been in an atmosphere with so much pride, love, and honor as I did during the Rose Parade. These people were excited to celebrate Easterseals and celebrate all that makes up our disability inclusive community. Easterseals is my home outside of the home my parents have created for me, my brother and my sister. Although I am employed at Easterseals as a music therapist, my role is so much more than that. Thanks to Easterseals, I am a sibling, a disability activist, a daughter, a voice for my brother and sister and most importantly, I am myself every single day and that is what my true calling in life is.