The children are brought in wheelchairs by their teachers and by
the parents who come to enjoy this annual Christmas party of
children who can’t walk, can’t talk, who are blind, who are deaf
and some who suffer frequent seizures. Some can’t hold their heads
up; some unsteady children must wear helmets all their waking hours
in order to protect their heads from harm.
The children are brought in wheelchairs by their teachers and by the parents who come to enjoy this annual Christmas party of children who can’t walk, can’t talk, who are blind, who are deaf and some who suffer frequent seizures. Some can’t hold their heads up; some unsteady children must wear helmets all their waking hours in order to protect their heads from harm.
AB Ingham School principal (and Gilroy Garlic Festival Gourmet Chef) Jim Baggese is master of ceremonies for this popular event held at the school located along the Highway 68 route between Salinas and Monterey.
It may be the noisiest Christmas party you’ll ever attend, but if this party doesn’t get you into the mood for Christmas, then the Grinch has stolen your heart. All around me I hear the sounds of kids’ cries, jingle bells, and clapping. One young woman slowly converses by pointing to letters on a little board in her lap while those around her try to call out the next word before she spells it all the way.
The children all have their own stories of heartbreak, and parents who cope as best they can. Some were born with genetic differences that caused their disabilities; others are suffering the result of near-drownings, or even bacterial infections that forever altered the way they would live. Some families are raising more than one severely handicapped child. In the past, these children would have been institutionalized; now they live at home and come to school everyday. The teachers and therapists are some of the most patient and caring people you will ever meet.
Once a year all the differences and troubles are forgotten in a magical time created in memory of a little girl named Chelsea Grandelli, whose parents are the ones who make this party possible. Chelsea was a student at the school who died from her disabilities when she was just ten years old. Even though Chelsea lost her fight ten years ago, her parents say that throwing the party is a way of keeping Chelsea’s love alive. “We’ll do it as long as we can,” dad Charlie Grandelli says.
It’s a family affair, with Carol’s brother and sister and sister’s husband participating. Everyone in the school attends and many help out in whatever ways they can, with things like food preparation and leading Christmas carol singing. It’s a community affair as well, with Associated Rebar Incorporated making sure the kids have a festively decorated tree for the party. The Salinas Circle for Children raises the money for the children’s gifts.
Last Thursday Mr. Grandelli closed his office early to bring new co-worker Leonard to the party, who was clearly blown away by the scope of the event and the immeasurable amount of generosity present. “If this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, then nothing will!” he commented with a big grin on his face.
Santa is represented by Bill Freeman, Chelsea’s uncle. His velveteen red suit and green cap were handmade by his mom and even won a blue ribbon at the County Fair a few years ago. Santa hands out a gift to each child that has been specifically chosen and gift- wrapped by his or her teacher. He gently takes each child onto his lap for a photo op with Santa. It is obvious by the light in his eyes just how special it is to Bill to play Santa for these children on this special day each year.
As each wheelchair is pushed back to the classrooms, every child in the school has a gift balanced on his or her lap or held by one of the teachers walking back with him or her. The room is filled with warm good cheer as everyone wishes everyone else well.
Carol Grandelli says, “Chelsea was the most affectionate child I’ve ever known. She had the purest love of any person. Coming here to do this party keeps her warmth alive; it’s like she’s still here with us.”
May the spirit of Chelsea Grandelli be our spirit of Christmas this year too.
Kat Teraji is communications coordinator for a non-profit organization benefiting women and children. Her column appears every Thursday in the Take 2 section of the Dispatch. Reach her at ka****@ve*****.net.
