So I told you already that I have gone to work for Easter Seals Crossroads. I guess I feel the need to share a positive story - one out a million that happen here daily.

A large number of our consumers have disabilities that have plagued them their whole lives. Being born with a disability makes life a challenge for these people - but in some ways - since they don't know any other way - it doesn't seem to be a "challenge" like it would be for someone who wasn't born with a disability. I guess what I'm saying is - you don't know what your missing if you haven't had it to begin with. You don't know how easy things can be - when the only thing you've known is difficulty. It just is - what it is.

Let me tell you about - we'll call him "Mike" . Mike was born with CP. Cerebral Palsy comes in many shapes and forms. For some people - it can be just a slight impairment - and for some people it seems to be all encompassing. Mike has what I would consider to be a "middle of the road" type diagnosis. While he uses a power wheel chair quite regularly - he is able to walk when he tries really hard. It just wears him out really quickly. Cognitively - I would say he is delayed quite a bit - but he is happy and healthy otherwise - and can be delightful.

For months I have said to him " See ya later alligator" - and he just smiles and goes on his way. So I would then say "After a while crocodile" - and go on about my way as well. Daily we had this exchange - for approximately 6 months.

One Day. - when Mike came to visit me - I said " See ya later alligator"  as he wheeled away - and very softly came the reply " After a while crocodile"... and he turned his head and smiled.

This may seem a like a small - inconsequential happening - but for Mike - this is a HUGE break through.

At Easter Seals Crossroads, we have break throughs every day. Small and large - and no matter how small, or how large - it makes doing this job the most satisfying job I have ever had. It's not a job - it's a mission. And I love it.

I'm pretty certain no one even knows I was gone, but I was. And now I am back.

There is something about blogging that is comforting to me. I like being able to speak my mind in a forum where no one really knows my name. It's an opportunity to be down and dirty honest - with no chance for any kind of retaliation. I like that.

I have changed jobs. I am working for Easter Seals Crossroads. What a blessing this place is - in more ways than one. We provide services for people with disabilities. Well- not ONLY people with disabilites, but mostly.

This is an amazing place. We provide so many services it's hard to high light just one of them. Over time I hope to high light all of them one at a time so people are aware of what we have to offer. But to start - I just want to say what  a lucky , LUCKY girl I am to be employed at a place that makes a difference. TRULY makes a difference in peoples lives. Our emphasis is on ability, and it is an honor to be part of such a fantastic place.

On the personal side. . . life is good. My husband is still wonderful, my kids are still - ehm - okay - wonderful - my friends are wonderful. Yep, it's all good.

Glad to be back.

Bye All.