a favorite picture of Shane with his posse....Wyatt, Trem, Steve and Cody Today was a very interesting day of varying perspectives for me. But then, most days are :)
This morning I spent time with a young man who is aging out of school. Me explaining the option of 'In the Company of Friends' to him, and how it might by a good option based on the supports, gifts, dreams and skills he has. He had a moment where he shared there were times he didn't feel his life was worth living, because he so deeply felt the differences between himself and the other students around him. I tried deeply to assure him that his gifts and contributions did have meaning. Did have an impact, most likely beyond what he may ever really know. Did have a reason it the big scheme of things. I hope I convinced him of that, although I don't know for sure that I did, however my life experience knows that to be true.
From there I carried on to another event with a long time family friend who shared her frustration at how many people she encounters who still don't necessarily see people as people, understanding or appreciating the value of people who live their lives differently through their challenges...physical, intellectually, mentally, or emotionally. We agreed that the world is not yet perfect, but I choose to believe that every single day it's getting just a little better through the efforts of people who are pushing for more for our friends and family members who experience life differently because of a variety of diagnosis.
It all adds to the interesting perspectives that I know Trem and I will experience in each of our presentations. Those that definitely get it. Those that struggle because of their own view of the world, the lens through which they see things. It's all okay....and how do I know that? Because that's the way it is.
For ourselves, we're very excited to be presenting our story on March 20th (tomorrow) again in Brandon. Every person touched is another individual that may pass the torch of understanding we are trying to share. Like the old man that plants an apple seed in his treasured back yard....chances are he will never know the fruits of his labor. The smiles and enthusiasm from appreciative youngsters that enjoy that fruit decades down the road. The lives that he will touch generations down the line, through his passion of sharing what he knows to be true today. We are that trusting gardeners who's hope lies in this faith. That is perfect, because as with him, we too believe that the seeds of possibility we are planting in sharing our story are going to reap amazing rewards for children and adults that we'll never, ever likely know the names of...and that's okay. As long as our passion and dreams for something better makes a difference. It doesn't matter whether or not they ever know our names...or we know theirs. We are all part of this magnificent circle of life that comes back in ways we can't imagine. That is enough.
This story touched my heart deeply, as the perspective of a Father who has learned what we know. Love to share the good stuff!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/2014/03/nolan-trotz-has-been-a-big-inspiration-to-his-dad.html
This morning I spent time with a young man who is aging out of school. Me explaining the option of 'In the Company of Friends' to him, and how it might by a good option based on the supports, gifts, dreams and skills he has. He had a moment where he shared there were times he didn't feel his life was worth living, because he so deeply felt the differences between himself and the other students around him. I tried deeply to assure him that his gifts and contributions did have meaning. Did have an impact, most likely beyond what he may ever really know. Did have a reason it the big scheme of things. I hope I convinced him of that, although I don't know for sure that I did, however my life experience knows that to be true.
From there I carried on to another event with a long time family friend who shared her frustration at how many people she encounters who still don't necessarily see people as people, understanding or appreciating the value of people who live their lives differently through their challenges...physical, intellectually, mentally, or emotionally. We agreed that the world is not yet perfect, but I choose to believe that every single day it's getting just a little better through the efforts of people who are pushing for more for our friends and family members who experience life differently because of a variety of diagnosis.
It all adds to the interesting perspectives that I know Trem and I will experience in each of our presentations. Those that definitely get it. Those that struggle because of their own view of the world, the lens through which they see things. It's all okay....and how do I know that? Because that's the way it is.
For ourselves, we're very excited to be presenting our story on March 20th (tomorrow) again in Brandon. Every person touched is another individual that may pass the torch of understanding we are trying to share. Like the old man that plants an apple seed in his treasured back yard....chances are he will never know the fruits of his labor. The smiles and enthusiasm from appreciative youngsters that enjoy that fruit decades down the road. The lives that he will touch generations down the line, through his passion of sharing what he knows to be true today. We are that trusting gardeners who's hope lies in this faith. That is perfect, because as with him, we too believe that the seeds of possibility we are planting in sharing our story are going to reap amazing rewards for children and adults that we'll never, ever likely know the names of...and that's okay. As long as our passion and dreams for something better makes a difference. It doesn't matter whether or not they ever know our names...or we know theirs. We are all part of this magnificent circle of life that comes back in ways we can't imagine. That is enough.
This story touched my heart deeply, as the perspective of a Father who has learned what we know. Love to share the good stuff!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/2014/03/nolan-trotz-has-been-a-big-inspiration-to-his-dad.html
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