My Work.

I often have wondered what my true purpose is on this planet.
As each day passes in my life I realize, helping others in some way is probley the answer. Not in anyway specific but having impact on others lives. Even if it is only for a mill-a-second. Three situations "occured" today, that when I awoke out of sleep and started my day, I would have had absolutely no plan for...

1. I met with a 43 year old man at 10 am this morning, he had been ran over by an ambulance 15 years ago. He is on complete disability and lives in assisted living. He "rode" his eight day old three-wheeled cherry red bike (with a basket) that cost the angency helping him out $3,500! (He left his biking helmet on the entire interview.)I learned about his life and how it had drastically changed since the accident, he has not held a job for many many years, and was worried about losing his benefits if he "works" to make money. We discussed some options and I plan to hire him as a Volunteer 2 days a week for 2 hours a day. That is if his refences and background check all check out.

2. 10:30 am a Y-member brings in a young man and a young women. They appear to be alittle dirty. The y-member shares with me that she had picked them up on her way down to the Y this morning. I quickly realize -they are a "couple" - around 21-23 years old- and they are homeless. I offer to them a free shower, and they quickly accept. I show them to the locker rooms and get them settled. While visiting with the gal I concure that she is syzophranic(SP??) But gladly listen to her tell me her opinion on the following topices: - OBAMA needs to be the next President - Anna of Green Gabels was the best book every written (she gives me the first page out of her book she is carrying in her bag) - and tells me she is going to college either in Hawaii or Wasington D.C. I let her be to take her shower...
I head to the Y-kitchen to grab them each a couple ham sandwiches and some fruit, then had back to check on both of them. She tells me 100 times how much she loves her "fiance" and that I should come to their wedding. We make our way to my office. I give them the food, and she sees my radio and asks for me to turn it on. I do joyfully as the two of them sit down at the table in my office to have an early lunch. She then announces that they need to get going so they can make it to the shelter for a free lunch. As they pack up she again gets teary eyed and falls into my arms for a good bye hug. I hug her back, as if a mother hugging her child. I tell them to take good care of each other, and that they can stop back down to see me in the future.

3. Tonight after dinner, the kids and I head over to the neighbors across the street giving Eric some free time to watch his beloved White Sox. Once we get in their house M says to me I suppose you heard what went on last night. Apparently she had to call the police and had her husband arrested. WOW, so for the next hour we sat and I tried to listen and give her the most support I could. Initially I so told her she needed to do everything she could to make their marriage work, but after further discussion, I wasn't saying the same thing. I have always believed that one must help themselves before others can help them. Her husband is a good guy, but needs serious detox, counseling, and anger managemnt. I very greatful nothing happend to her or their daughter last night.

I don't have a social work degree or a physcology (Sp?) degree but I do know I have an extreme passion for people. All People. Even if the 4 individuals in the stories above only took one little tiny bit of knowledge from me today, I know I did what God planned for me to do and that was to simply impact their lives.

Here's to tomorrow!