Time & Place

There is a time and place for everything. Today while at work I was talking to one of my new staff. As this was happening I began doing something, being a Social Worker. I began to find out why this person had certain personality traits, and why she "was the way she was." I have done this on many occasions since I have graduated from the University of Utah, College of Social Work. This experience was like none other. I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be. I felt like I knew that at that moment, at that very moment, I was where I needed to be. I felt like everything that has happened needed to happen in order for me to be the person that I am. Not that this realization hasn't come to my attention before. I was needing a "sign", a sign from anyone. God maybe? The Universe maybe? Something, and I got it. I didn't pray for it. I didn't ask for it. I just thought about it.

Days like this I am thankful that there is a time and a place for everything! :)

People With Disabilities

“One of the basic needs of every human being is the need to be loved, to have our wishes and feelings taken seriously, to be validated as people who matter.”
― Harold S. Kushner

My favorite quote that comes to my mind when I think about my clients: my clients in the program I am over, and my clients as a whole in TKJ. Whether they have high or low functioning disabilities, they need the same love.

Yes, I have a lot of paperwork. Yes, I have a lot of responsibilities. BUT, my biggest responsibility is to do just that, love them, encourage them, and help them to fulfill their wishes, ensure their feelings are taken seriously, and to validate them as often as possible.

I know I would want the same. The same for myself. I thank the universe daily for letting me to be change I wish to see in the world. I thank the universe daily for helping me to get the education I have gotten. I thank the universe daily for helping me become the person that I am. I thank the universe for constantly allowing me to grow. Mostly, I thank the universe daily for opening my eyes . . .

If it weren't for my accident I wouldn't see the world the way I see it. 

. . . I would want the same for my brothers if they were in a group home. I would want the same for any of my children if I ever had to put them in a group home. 

Going to Grad school was at the top of my list, I thought it was what I needed to do next. But, after some deep thought, and meditation. I realized what I was doing, is what I wanted to do forever. Maybe working with disabilities in group homes isn't my fate, but working with people with disabilities is definitely my calling. 

I can see it, ever since middle school. In middle school I went to peer tutoring with the special education students. I LOVED this. I LOVED how enthusiastic these individuals were when I was of assistance to them. One of the girls couldn't talk, but her touch made me feel so much of her love, that words weren't needed. I cleaned one of the special education teachers rooms, as I was a janitor after school everyday. One day I got to talking to her. She told me that she knew that I would become a special education teacher one day. You know what? She is right, she can see special traits in everyone around her. I loved her for that. I will never forget that day.

Tonight, as I sit here, I know that I am where I need to be. I am happy that I am where I need to be. I am beyond blessed, beyond thankful, and above all, full of love for those around me. 

Smile, it's only temporary. 

P.S. 

Last night I was talking with one of my staff, and she said, "have you ever thought about how it will be in the next life?" I said, actually, I have. I can only imagine the reunion with the people who I have served, with all their transgressions left in mortality. I began to tear up, because I know that the ladies I have served, serve, and will continue to serve will greet me with open arms. It will be a blessed reunion, that I can only hope will be full or laughter, and forever friendships in the eternities.