Halifax teen happy when wish to meet composer granted
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
Awish granted by "World of Dreams Foundation" has made the life of a Halifax Church member happier.
Not that Frankie Hull, 17, a member of the Halifax (Nova Scotia) Ward isn't usually happy. But Frankie has been especially grateful lately.
A while back, he learned about the World Foundation, which grants dreams to young people with long term illness or handicaps. Frankie, who has cerebral palsy, shared a couple of his wishes with the organization.
Frankie, who has taken piano lessons for four years and composes some of his own music, decided he wanted to meet a composer. He also had a secret wish of being able to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Through the efforts of the foundation, Frankie's first wish was granted. He was flown to Atlantic City to meet Paul Anka, who accepted a copy of one of Frankie's own compositions and, since the young man's return home, has continued to keep in touch with him.
In addition to cerebral palsy, Frankie faces other challenges. He currently lives in the Phoenix House here, an "independent house for youths who don't have a place to call home," he explained. "A placeT where they can get their life together."
Yet, as Frankie continues, he emphasizes that he's "been really blessed with good health and pretty good mobility" and hasn't been severely afflicted with the disease.
Frankie speaks candidly about the difficulties he does struggle with. Although many things are hard for him, with the help and support of friends and Church members, he participates in many activities. Recently, he joined one of the ward's youth temple trips. The support of friends helps the teenager remain active.
Frankie credits the Church with giving him direction and "a sense of peace and belonging. Heavenly Father is always there for us, I know that," he said with quiet conviction. "I think cerebral palsyT has humbled me. I've learned so much. I've learned to try harder."
In addition to what he has learned through his trials, Frankie hopes that he may have helped others, like his friends in the ward Young Men and Young Women organizations, gain more understanding.
