How many of you who have seen this building caught yourself asking, "What is that place and what do they do there?" It sits high upon a hill and can be seen miles from McAlester. Some of you know that it is the McAlester Scottish Rite Temple, but do you know what they do there? No, it is not home to one of the oldest "He Man - Women Hater's Clubs". Members of our community are part of the brotherhood that is housed in this building. They are people from every aspect of our community - from executives to tradesmen. But, do you know what happens there? I am not going to claim to know everything or even half. I only know a small part of what happens there, but oh, that small part... What I can tell you is MIRACLES HAPPEN THERE!
When I toured the temple some 12 years ago, I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on my life. I remember seeing the banquet room, the theater and the huge stage with all of the elaborate back drops. I remember passing by a clinic, called the Rite Care Clinic, tucked away in a corner. I remember them mentioning they helped children with speech and literacy issues there. Outside of that, I didn't remember much more about that clinic.
Fast forward 9 years. Danny and I have an adorable 3 year old little boy. He is the answer to our prayers and the light of our lives. Everything about him is perfect - or so it seems - except for his speech. I think it is him being stubborn like his dad and am positive that he will talk when he is ready to talk. His pediatrician, however disagreed. We were referred to the speech language pathologist for a speech evaluation. The SLP agreed with the pediatrician and determined that speech services were definitely needed. Because the Choctaw Nation does not offer speech services in McAlester we were referred to the Rite Care Clinic at the Masonic Temple.
So here I am again, at that little clinic tucked in the corner of that huge building. This time I am approaching it as a mom, a mom scared of what the future holds for her son, a mom who is scared of the unknown, a mom who longs to hear the voice of her precious son. I was met a that office with kindness, understanding and reassurance. Rite Care performed an evaluation of their own and concurred with the Choctaw Nation. Grant began speech services shortly thereafter. He began meeting with his therapist, Ashley, once per week. Around a year after beginning services, Grant was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis. The brain has problems planning to move the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech. CAS is a complicated disorder that is not well known nor, until recently, well publicized. I had never heard of it myself and therefore began researching. As one can do, when seeking out Dr. Google, I really became scared and overwhelmed. I barraged Ashley with questions and concerns at our next appointment, but was met with the calm voice of reason (and expertise in her field), "Just trust me. He is going to be okay."
So, I did. I trusted her and the members of that clinic. Danny and I have taken our son to that little clinic in the corner of the Masonic Temple once (now twice) a week for over 4 years. They have gotten to know Grant, learned his likes and dislikes, and even got down in the floor and played with him in order to help him. They taught him how to move his mouth to make sounds and how to use those sounds to make words. Now they are working on putting those words together to build sentences. They gave our baby boy a voice! To this mother who wondered if she would ever hear her son utter the words, "I love you, mom," they performed a miracle.
I find it safe to say millions of miracles have been performed in that little clinic in the corner of the Masonic Temple. Numerous families (several I know personally) have received treatment there. Many scared mothers have been met there with that calm voice of reason, only to later to witness their own miracles. The other part of the miracles that happen in that clinic is that these services are provided free of charge (outside of a small initial fee). Services are provided by top notch therapists at no cost to the families of these children! Since Grant's diagnosis, Ashley has completed an intensive apraxia training workshop (aka apraxia boot camp) and is now considered an expert in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. The fact that my child is able to receive speech therapy, by an expert in his diagnosis at no cost to us is a miracle in an of itself. Unlike many other parents of children with CAS, I have never had the stress of fighting with insurance companies to obtain coverage for therapy nor have I had to worry about how I was going to cover the out of pocket expenses for therapy. I told you - miracles happen there!
To say I am thankful to the members of the lodge for supporting the Rite Care Clinic would be the understatement of the century! To express my gratitude to the Scottish Rite for making speech and literacy services one of the main focuses of their Charitable and Educational Foundation is virtually impossible. Our lives and our son's life have been forever been changed by their generosity.
So... the next time you are driving into McAlester and see the Masonic Temple sitting high upon a hill, just remember... MIRACLES HAPPEN THERE!
**UPDATE**
Since first sharing this post, I have seen Facebook posts from other parents who share the same sentiments as I. They are listed below:
Elizabeth Patterson Bays Miracles DO happen there. My son is one. And we are FOREVER grateful for Ashley. So wish we were still in McA seeing y'all. McA kids are so blessed to have Rite Care. Continued blessings for the fabulous work that y'all do ToddandAshley Monks
Sandra Gilliam-Streeter Great place!!!!
Jessica Gilliam Yes it was told to us that my son may never communicate intelligibly. Well, Kristin (Ashley's coworker) worked with Seth for years. He now volunteers to help others read and he is 9 yrs old. We are still working on sentence structure. They are miracle workers in my book. We are blessed! Oh, and Ashley worked with Seth as well. Thank you !
Alyson Curran I completely agree! We experienced our own big miracle there with lily!!
Jeff Stevens Love this place. I received my 32nd degree there. Could have done it in Guthrie but I loved the history of this building. Rite Care is a wonderful thing.
Shelly they have been doing things for s long time, when Samantha Morley Parker was 3 they worked with her on her speech and hearing issues! They did amazing work with her!
Kim Aldridge Suttles Shelley Kelley you have me crying like a baby! I don't believe I could have said this better myself. I have a long family history of Masonic members, and to think they would be able to help my child (now children) in such a phenominal way is beyond a blessing. You are absolutely correct - MIRACLES DO HAPPEN THERE!
Amy Jones Lee My daughter is learning how to read and everytime she says her th's perfect it makes me proud. I'm so thankful.
Ashley Page Pebley They helped me over come my dyslexia at a young age it wasnt that I was stupid it was the fact I needed a more hands on approach with my education and they provided it for me. Definitely a place full of miracles
