Category Archives: faith

Why How often w…

Why

How often we, as people – as a country full of different cultures, different diversities – look at one another – differently.
One would think that someone with disabilities has a hard time understanding or comprehending what is going on around them in their every day life.
On September 11, 2001, as with most people around the country, my day started off like the one before.
I woke up, had something to eat and went to work.
I have been given the opportunity to work with people with disabilities for over 10 years now and was at a job site with individuals that had some form of handicaps.
People that don’t know this type of field often say to me that I must have a lot of patience and I usually tell them yes they do, for putting up with me.
As the morning went on there were reports of a plane that had just collided with one of the world trade centers in  New York City.
As the clients and I walked down the hallway we started to hear more.
Now a second plane had hit and more people were gone.
I decided then to bring all of them back to their office where we could find out what was really going on.
Like most companies word spread quickly, but this was different. You could feel it in the air.
Small groups of people were gathering.
Talking about what was going on.
You could not escape it – it was everywhere.
By this time we had heard of what had happened in DC and still we didn’t know why.
By break time the company we were at had placed a television out in the cafeteria where even more people gathered as we silently watched – as two mighty buildings came down. I was very honest with them at this time, how could I not be – it was everywhere.
I gave them the choice of having lunch in their office that day or if they wanted to they could eat in the café where they usually sat.
Explaining to them that there was a T.V. on and many people of many diversities were gathering.
Some of them went – while some chose to stay in their office.
There were ones that wanted to go home. Didn’t really blame them. I called my family as soon as I had a chance, just to make sure that they were all right.
As our workday came to a close, we all talked and discussed about what had happened to our country this day.
Here now are just some of the things that were said by someone who on first glance one might think that they really didn’t understand what’s going on around them.
“It’s an awful thing – these people died doing nothing wrong.”
“That plane and things – that hurts and it makes me sad inside.”
“I’m sad for the people that are no longer here and for their families, scary.”
“Lots of people died today, but lots of people were able to get out of some of the buildings. This we should be happy about – it is a sad day.”
“It’s a very sad thing that happened and I don’t know why we have to live like this. I guess that’s the b-side of life.”
As tears slowly formed in my eyes, we all sat in silence.
Remembering what had happened this day in New York City, DC, and Pennsylvania.
No difference.
No wall of misunderstanding.
No handicaps.
Just people.
I came away with the same feelings that the clients had.
Feeling very sad and scared, and the unending question that we all felt that day.
“Why?”…

Walking in my N…

Walking in my New Pair of Shoes

From the first day that I stopped using I was given what the old-timers call a toolbox.
That first day I stepped into that meeting – unbeknownst at the time I was given the
“How to stay sober spiel.” “One day at a time.”
Please don’t get me wrong by making it sound easy – it’s not – but it can be done.
How often have I heard, “It’s a program for those who want it” not a “Program for those who need it.”
If that were the case you likely would never find a seat to sit on when going to a meeting.
But upon getting that toolbox with all of the information on how to do it.
Was a new pair of shoes to walk in.
Now I’m not saying that I’m walking in their shoes – but I am walking the same path as they are or did.
The ones who came before.
The ones that had no idea what was in store for them.
Not that I knew what was going to happen to me in the beginning – still don’t at times.
But they can tell us what lies ahead – down the road, what to expect, what to look out for.
While walking this path of recovery.
Those first brave folks that trudged along what we call “That happy road of destiny,” while walking in their new shoes.
One day during winter time, right after that first big snowfall, I walked outside to start shoveling – not one of my favorite things to do – but I do it anyway.
I walked to the end of my driveway and turned around.
Looking back on the snow-covered driveway and seeing how my footprints look- this must be how the program looked starting out with one walking down making a path.
So I walked back through the snow making sure to step in the same footprints as before.
Stopping and looking back – the path was a little different.
Walking back through the path again to see my trail had grown just a little bit bigger.
I can see now why they told me you don’t have to pave the road, it’s already been done. I just have to walk on the road that started out a small trail and through the years grew to become quite a big road.
The folks that came before me paved the way.
So here I am traveling down this big lane of happy fortune. Trying to stay in the middle where it’s safe and all I have to do is follow the directions the way they’re laid out – oh- and change everything about myself too.
Seeing the people just ahead of me and asking for help or just behind to say watch out, to seeing what works for some – may not work for me or others.
The path or road is very wide now.
What started out as one set of footprints was turned into a small path, then into a small road to the larger highway we walk upon today.
And if I can just keep on doing the next right thing – I can stop and look around.
To take in the scenery – being okay where I am in life – to thanking my higher power for just today.
And the only real worry on this road of healing is not forgetting that I’m powerless.
Getting my life back was but the first of many miracles. Heck, even having to shovel this driveway is one.
As long as I keep on walking this road.
Be open, be willing, and so I have.
I just keep walking.
Being given new shoes for my feet is one way I like to look at it.
Starting a new way of life is just another.
One step at a time. While walking in my New Pair of Shoes…         

“Cookie Dust”

Here’s one passed down from my boss. “Years ago,” she said to me while in her office. “When I was raising my two boys there were a lot of times we just didn’t have a lot of money. Working hard – just to have a roof over our heads and new clothes – not just for school – just new. We didn’t have a lot of extras. So when it came to food, those snacks around the house, you had to be a little creative. So when the cookie jar was empty and the boys wanted something sweet, I would pull out the wax paper. Pour out the cookie crumbs onto the paper and with a little milk or just wet finger tips we would sit at the table enjoying our very own cookie dust that the cookie man left behind. You’ll be amazed on how much fun you can have while trying to figure out what kind of cookie crumbs you’re eating.” She said laughing. So pass that one along folks. When you need that snack for your kids. Be creative.