Abundant Rewards

As I sit here, chocolate chip cookie warm from the oven, in my hand...I think about the little things in life that are so good, they are indescribable. Most often, we focus on the big things/issues that complicate our lives. I am reminded of this every day with my work.

My work with mentally challenged adults brings me back in tune with what's really important. I go from day to day, doing my job the best way I can...even knowing I have a daughter who is mentally challenged. My clients do not have many, if any, behavioral issues...which makes them an absolute joy to be around. For those who have never had the pleasure of knowing a mentally challenged person, it's something you should seek out.

I had an experience with my client, Mike, who is probably the one who grabs my heart every time. When I started working with him, he had beat up his sister and still has impulsive aggression issues. My co-workers and supervisor, I am sure, have considered him the most difficult. Mike has 5 sisters and his dad...though they are not overly involved with him for the most part. I've heard Mike tell me that he has to be "good" that he cannot be bad. I've told him what a good person he is and remind him of all the reasons he is a good person and that I believe in him. Mike loves to fish....he is addicted to it. Mike and I went fishing and he loved teaching me what he assumed I didn't know about fishing. He sees me down the street and I can see him grinning from ear to ear. I can't help but smile. His family has told me they have seen such an amazing difference in him. Mike also has a form of autism. He talks a million miles a minute and can change the subject within one breath several times. Yesterday, I did my usual routine with Mike, take him to the bank and then home. We talked for a few minutes and as I got ready to leave, he hugged me. The whole thing shocked me and still does. Mike does not shake hands or do high fives. He always says, "I'm afraid my luck will rub off." On my drive home, I had to think...this is what it's all about. Mike has made an impact on me...as has all of the other clients I've worked with in the past 12 years of doing this work. I get angry that the pay is so low and the way the agency is operated on a day to day basis...and then the hug.

It puts things in perspective. Yah life is hard, yah life deals you blows...but life is full of rewards, if only you choose to see them.