Stars

Every day we come to Brain Balance, I sit in the waiting room. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I write. But the most fun is chatting with Erin. She’s so sweet and funny and I feel like I always learn something about the program or other family’s experiences through our conversations.  As we chat, she cuts colored stars out of construction paper. She has it down to a science and can get two stars out of each piece. She cuts a stack of about 5 pieces at a time. That means she produces about 50 stars a minute. Give or take a few when the phone rings or she pauses to bring a child back their session.

What are the stars for? Every time a child goes up a level in a particular area, they get a star. Categories include Balance & Synchronization, Visual Processing, Auditory Processing and Core Muscles. And there are lots more. The therapist has a checklist of skills the child needs to master. When she’s able to check three boxes, he goes up a level. 

I think I’ve mentioned how calming the wall color is. It’s a great shade of grayish blue. And as much as I like the color, I like the walls that are covered with stars even better. The bright colors and fun shapes make me smile. Written on each star are the child’s first name and the area that they’ve progressed in.  Walking down the hall, surrounded by the stars, makes me excited and happy for the kids – look how much they’ve all accomplished.

As we leave Session Three, Erin tells Sam that he’s going to get some stars the next time he comes. His face lights up. In the elevator, he explains how he earns a star. He is so excited to add his stars to the walls with all the others.

On Monday, as we walk in Erin smiles at us.  She reminds Sam that today’s his big day. Look how many stars you earned…He is amazed. There are twelve. All different colors. Several different areas. All with his name on them. He stands a little taller and looks really proud. So great to see.

Shoes off. Jacket on the chair. Back he goes. I start reading. Erin starts cutting.

Couldn’t you buy pre-cut stars?

They’re so expensive and I don’t mind doing it.

Really? It seems like it’s endless.

It is but I like making sure the colors are evenly distributed.

What about circles? Wouldn’t those be easier? Or maybe less expensive to buy?

Maybe. But the kids like the stars and I don’t mind.

Told you she was nice. We talk more about the stars and I learn that not every Brain Balance has them. I am so glad that Sam is at a center that does. It’s nice to be rewarded for all the hard work. And I think it will motivate him even more.

He comes out from his session and grabs his pile.  Where should we put them? I ask. He wanders around trying to pick the most prime piece of real estate. First he puts them on the “lonely wall” in the back because no one else has put theirs there. Then he realizes that he doesn’t walk by that wall and (smartly) he chooses a wall that’s filled with other stars and is right on his route in and out so he can see them every time. He deserves to be proud of his accomplishments. I sure am!