Singing in the Restroom

     As Kevin’s nurse, I used to have a hard time getting him out of the restroom at school. He loved to sing in that small, tiled room where his voice echoed and became louder and clearer. 

     He often, daily, asked to spend more time in the restroom. He had subtle ways to slow down or delay the work process in order to have a little more fun. He would often start by asking me to sing with him. He loved for me to pick up his hands and make large sweeping musical gestures as we sang. While I moved his arms and hands, he used his eyes to give full expression to the chosen song. There was always great expression in his eyes, and perhaps even more when his hands and arms were moving through the air as if he was the conductor. Two of his favorite songs to sing in the restroom were “Take me out to the ball game,” and “He’s got the whole world in his Hands.” Most days he would plead (or beg): “One more time, Mr. Allen. One more time!” And as soon as I’d put down his arms he’d look at me and say: “One more time…Please!”