C

There’s a client who visits the main building once a week.

I hear her talk to Dixie.
I hear a soft knock on my door, knowing who it is
I turn around and am greeted by C.
“Hi C,” I say with a smile (it’s really hard to not smile at C).
“What are you doing?” is her standard question
I usually say, “I’m working”

C tells me I need to shave.
Today C asks me for a hug.
I hug her from my office chair and notice I am almost as tall as she is standing.
Her warm, friendly smile paired with her sweet nature
And her hug
Help me to remember
Why I do this job.

Heroes for My Son

A friend of mine recently gave me a book titled, “Heroes for My Son.” Unfortunately, these heroes don’t wear capes but are much more important than fighting crime (which I didn’t think was possible.) I wanted to share one of the stories that I found very moving.



When Dick and Judy Hoyt’s son was born with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or talk, the doctors told them to just ‘put him away’.

No, they decided.

They’d push him, pull him, they’d carry him along.

But he’d never be left behind.

When the public schools said there was no place for Rick, his parents found a computer that would write his thoughts from the head movements he could make.

At ten, he spoke his first sentence. “Go Bruins!”

In high school, Rick learned of a five-mile charity run for a newly paralyzed teenager.

Rick told his father they had to do something to send a message that life goes on.

Even though he wasn’t a runner, Dick never hesitated.

He’d run the race, pushing Rick’s wheelchair the whole way.

They finished next to last. It was a victory.

That night, Rick typed out these words: “Dad, when I’m running it feels like my disability disappears.”

Dick’s mission was clear.

He kept running, Rick always out in front.

234 triathlons, 67 marathons, 6 ironmans.

Rick Hoyt still can’t walk

But with his father, they both fly.



While there are many people with disabilities that probably don’t want to have disability disappear. But that sentence made me wonder what can I do to help people feel like their disability has disappeared?

Lemonade Stand

My five year old daughter has been asking me if she can have a lemonade stand since last winter. A few weeks ago it was a fairly warm day and I asked Kendra if this is something she wanted to do. She responded with a very enthusiastic ‘yes!’. We talked about what we would use for a table and we agreed that the old school desk would work just fine. I asked her what she should put her money in and she thought her toy cash register would work (but she had to take out all of the play money to make room for the real money).

She was worried she wouldn’t be able to pour the juice so I told her I would help her with this. After waiting for a few minutes and no sales I encouraged her to wave to cars as they pass by. She asked me why no body was stopping and I said to her, “it just takes time.”

A few minutes later a call pulls to the side of the road about a block away and slowly creeps closer to us. I tell Kendra that they might be coming to buy juice. She stops moving for a second and watches the car approach. With each passing inch, the more excited she gets until they are maybe 15 feet from her. It was at this point where she jumps up and down several times. I see her excitement and I smile to myself as I was reminded what it was like to be five.

She charged 25 cents a glass but these kind people gave my beautiful daughter $2. As she hands her customer the juice, the kind lady says to Kendra, “You sure are a good salesman!” I found people readily gave her much more money then the required amount. Typically it was $1 for two glasses (which was a 50 cent tip).

Eventually, sales slow down but we decide to count her money. She had over $11 bucks. I talk to her about what she is going to buy with her money. She loves the Littlest Pet Shop toys and I figured she would purchase this. She tells me she wants to buy fireworks. Slightly surprised, I tell her she can buy whatever she wants.

I glance at the pitcher of juice and there is about one glass worth left. I say to Kendra, “Jeez Ken, isn’t anyone going to buy the last cup?”

Kendra says, “It just takes time daddy.” I laugh out loud and she says to me, “That’s what you said to me.”

Yes Kendra, I did say that to you. I gleefully bought the last cup. The juice was warm and due to sitting out in the heat was sort of gross, but it was still the best juice I have ever had.