Random thoughts

I have discovered that working with children is a very satisfying endeavor for me. I especially enjoy working with disadvantaged children, or children with special needs. I never imagined that It would be possible to love working with children even more than I loved working with mentally ill adults. I suppose that it is because I see so much hope and promise in the eyes of children. After working for five years in the mental health field with mentally ill offenders and the chronic mentally ill, I became frustrated at the rate of recidivism and mental decompensation. Many would return to the psychiatric hospitals, others succumbed to drugs, suicide and death. There were rarely happy endings. Most were such amazing, unique and caring individuals. I always wondered if perhaps under different circumstances, and with the proper support, their lives would have taken them toward a different path.

I can distinctly remember the adults that I have crossed paths with on my own journey to adulthood. Their words of encouragement, and optimism filled me with hope. Sometimes I think that hope and love are all we really need to carry us through our struggles. We never forget the acts of kindness rendered by others, nor the sacrifices that others make for us. I made a promise to always pass on the hope that was given to me. I fulfill my promise daily, in my own way, in my humble corner of the world. My desire is simply to make a difference. Chris always makes fun of me and says that if it were up to me, our home would be full of orphans. He is probably right :-) Being around children keeps me grounded in reality. I understand what really matters. Love, passion and the creation of memories.