The Finale? Not Quite Yet!

It seems my focus this week is on endings; the ending of summer, my internship and a somewhat carefree existence.  Isn’t that what summer means: that bubble of time where you let yourself go?  As I think of the final weeks of this summer, especially the final week of my internship, sadness tugs at my heart.  It is the ending of something special and unique to me.  I enjoyed not only the tasks assigned to me, but making a difference in people’s thoughts, maybe even existence.  That was the most rewarding part of the journey.

Just maybe I learned a valuable lesson, also.  Even as a little girl, it fascinated me how words shape individuals’ thoughts and perceptions.  I guess as an English major, I realized the importance of language to a certain extent, but never examined it in much detail.  After writing so many literary treatises, words lost their glamor, and most importantly, meaning.  

During my internship with United Cerebral Palsy, I learned words, MY words, impacted so many people it still totally amazes me.  To be presented with the opportunity this summer to intern with UCP still boggles my mind.  What an amazing experience!  Even though I am grieved over its ending, I’ll think upon my internship with happiness and hope I will have the opportunity to be honored with the pleasure again!

Believe

Today, I saw an article that reminded me a person’s potential is never known until it is tested and how powerful believing in yourself can be.  Dr. Sheehan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age and doctors gave little or no hope she would be a success.  Contrary to their belief, she completed an undergraduate degree in psychology, (with honors), then received her doctorate in the same field.  Reading this article only made me want to strive harder in my life and make a difference to those dearest to my heart, like Dr. Sheehan.  As my internship with United Cerebral Palsy ends, I hope believing in myself caused an impact in someone’s life, (more than one, with a bit of luck) while I had fun along the way.  It’s been a great ride this summer!

Growing Old

     Here is a short story I wrote a few years ago.  Again, it tells of a life experience I had.  It gives words to the meaning of life.  Read and enjoy!

Growing Old

           

            Ever since the Spring semester, I struggled with the pace of my life, particularly the rate that I was going in receiving college credits.  It seemed like it would be an eternity until I would be done with college and be a “success”, I thought.  The months of my summer vacation seemed to drag.  “I could be doing something about it, instead of doing absolutely nothing for three whole months,” I quibbled.

            One hot early July morning, Sal, who had been my step dad’s best friend, called my mom and asked if I wanted a vat of his homemade, very Italian spaghetti sauce, or “sorce”, as he called it.  I love his accent!  This had been a tradition ever since we had known Sal.  My heart soared because I love absolutely love his spaghetti sauce!  “I’ll bring all the makings.” he said on the phone.  “I’ll be there in a half hour, an hour, tops!” 

An hour later, Sal came tottering up the sidewalk, both hands full of plastic grocery bags.  As he came in the front door, he called out, “Okay, let’s get this party started!”

                   I instantly noticed how Sal had aged.  Lines were there on his face that weren’t there before and there was slowness in his walk.  He moved around in the kitchen with slow persistence. 

                   “Oh damn”, he suddenly said, “I forgot the oregano.  I always forget something anymore!”

                   My Mom piped up, “I’ll get it, Sal.  I need to go to the store anyway.”  She scurried out the door.  His irritation seemed to vanish instantly as he plopped on a kitchen chair.  He patted my knee and asked, “So how’s it going, Hope?”  His face showed genuine interest. 

                   “Okay, Sal,” I said, “still working on my degree.  Unfortunately, I have a way to go yet.  It drives me crazy—all of my friends graduated and have jobs and are out in the world making a living while I’m taking two classes a semester!”  I shook my head in disgust.

                   “Hope, you just saw what happened here.  I forgot the oregano.  No big deal.  People get so caught up in what they haven’t done.  Yes, I got upset about the oregano, but what is the use in getting all distressed about it,” he said, “and you are so very young.  Don’t be in such a hurry and get in a web of worries because maybe you will never get out of them.   You’ll turn old before you know it.  Enjoy life while you can. Be forever present in the moment and that will bring the greatest joy to your life”.

                   I looked at this man—this man who had lived for eighty odd years, been through wars, watched his beloved wife die from cancer, was forced to move out of his house because he was “too old” and was subject to his daughter-in-law’s every whim.  “He’s still happy,” I thought, “happy to just be”. 

                   Suddenly, I realized that Sal had a message for me.  I looked at this man with new eyes and a new heart, for he had reminded me of an invaluable lesson that day.  I repeated his words in my mind.  “Enjoy life while you can and be forever present in the moment and that will bring the greatest joy to your life”.  I silently thanked Sal for these words of wisdom as we sat down to a fabulous spaghetti meal.

A New Era

In my travels today, I found a very uplifting article about a girl with Down syndrome who is a swimwear model for a major designer’s campaign.  For me, it’s the sign of changing times; and it will usher in a new era.  It gladdens my heart this is taking place!  As I said before, I grew up with the underlying stigma of being “different” and somewhat of a novelty in school.  It is a great boost, not only to the disabled world, but also to the community at large to have special needs clients for this effort.  Change is afoot, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

A Better World

Today is a continuation of Wednesday’s blog.  As I finished reading the essays, they reminded me of the power of a positive attitude.  At thirty-one, I have come to the realization a positive attitude, not only makes my life easier and better, it is reflected in those of whom I interact.  The essays raise the point to me that, again, acceptance, is still there, we just need to be on the search for it.  Perhaps, it is there, but we are blind to it.  To read these students’ sentiments lightened my heart to such a degree I believe a better world for all is to come.

Changes to Come

Today, I had the opportunity to read essays written by local students who ranged across the grade levels of primary school and, let me just say, it truly amazed me!  These writings opened my eyes to the changing attitudes about those who have disabilities from when I attended school; a long time ago, I admit.  I read phrases such as “no one should be treated different just because of the way they’re born,” and “so next time you see a person with disabilities, remember to have a good attitude because who knows?  Maybe your smile can change their confidence.”  Let me tell you I was totally in awe!  Hooray for these kids!

Back when I attended school, especially middle and high, there was a stigma attached to the differently abled and I felt the sting of it everyday.  Let me say it made a lasting impression on my psyche.  Unfortunately, it took me years to overcome the pain and hurt.  Now, as I read these essays, I feel a surge of excitement about the accepting and caring approach that these children exhibit.  What a breath of fresh air!  Perusing the essays served as a beacon of hope to me for our future generations.  It excites me to imagine what is to come!

Church

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a Mennonite church service with my friend, Alta.  Once again, as I prepared to go, I had the old, gnawing feeling of being different from everyone else.  This time, though, my curiosity overrode my fear, and I decided it was a great opportunity.  I knew I would remember and treasure it forever.

As we entered the church, heads turned to witness our arrival.  It struck me how these complete strangers smiled and nodded.  They even came up to me to ask my name!  As we proceeded through the service, it amazed me that this community was the same as my own, yet different.  I did not feel uncomfortable, like so many instances.  After, many of the ladies engaged me in conversation.  I have attended many church services throughout the years, but my hunch was correct; I had been presented an opportunity of a lifetime.  I will always remember how these kind people reacted to a complete stranger, and welcomed her with opened arms.  Everybody, I think, should follow their example.

My Journey Through the Internship

Today, it officially began; my long awaited and anticipated summer internship with UCP Central PA. I waited for this moment for six long months. Now, it is here. I’m on the edge of a precipice, I thought, as I lay in bed this morning. All my years of hard work as a college student have come to fruition.

After my initial meeting today (my first day on the job, so to speak), I gained a new perspective on the working world and how I, Hope Johnson, have the ability to affect change dearest to my heart and very being.  It dawned on me that I can utilize my skills as a writer to garner change.  The whole thing is mind boggling to me!  One thing I’m committed to:  I WILL AFFECT CHANGE IN THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE.  What a revelation.  It is something to keep in mind as I journey through the internship.  I hope I’m worthy of such a task!