Saturday, November 19, 2005

A staff member speaks out.

Morning, all.

Here at the Lair we've been extremely busy packing and preparing for the move to our new physical location. We will all miss this location because for some of us it was our first place of association with Dream Teller. But as she often reminds us, life is a journey; a series of changes, some expected and some not. We all know this move will be most difficult for Dream Teller. Here is where she spent the final weeks with her beloved spouse, caring for him until his death. She has found comfort in these surroundings that hold precious memories of that time, as well as those of sorrow. Yet, she smiles and goes on with her journey. And so will we.

Our next location is new to the staff but not to Dream Teller. She is moving into the family home where she can keep a watchful eye over her beloved, elderly father. Maintaining one's own life as well would present something of a challenge for others but Dream Teller is, first and foremost, a caretaker and is blessed with a wonderful loving family. Their strong ties have served the family well over the years and it is from that family that the many of us, without family of our own, have come to know the true depth of caring and sharing.

Life... Without exception, every curve and bend in the road is frought with uncertainty. At some point in life, it falls to each of us to adjust our plans, accordingly. Those who are unwilling to navigate those curves and bends and yield to the tasks they encounter, in lieu of their own wants and desires, stand to discover the raw truth about themselves. Selfishness and shortsigtedness will always come back to haunt that type of individual. Those are the folks who whine and moan their way through life; take exception to having their lives burdened with what they consider most unfair. I have witnessed such, time and again, and it is difficult to feel sorrow for the shirker.

Where am I going with this? It is my hope that I will reach at least one person, (who willingly or inadvertantly, as the case may be, turns a blind eye to others in need) in time to turn them in the right direction. Why? It is my path; teaching, calling attention to wrongs that must be righted, before it is too late. In our line of work, we see so many in need of assistance; both children and adults. And sad to say but their loved ones; often family members, and/or friends, are too busy or uncaring enough to put themselves out to help. Rather, they expect others to take up the task for what is most often considered a burden.

Modern society has led many to forget from whence they came; forget those who helped get them where they are, and forget the importance of returning the love and caring. If you are one of those who have forgotten what it is to need assistance I adjure you, take stock. Pause and reflect upon all who provided you with the means to successfully accomplish your goals and desires. For one who fails to give back will fail to attain a higher plane of existence. Whether that assistance be in the form of taking charge of a family member; giving of your time, or seeking other needed assistance for someone, open your eyes and heart to their plight. Don't fob them off on someone else, or some public entity, merely to salve your conscience or make it easier for you.

If you have no one close in need of your assistance, take a little time out of your busy life and volunteer your services. Nursing homes, hospitals, and children's service organizations all need assistance caring for their wards. One of our colleagues recently put himself out to find assistance for a family of children who lost their parent in the hurricane that destroyed their home, too. That colleague faces his own losses, yet...

Life is not just about you or me, nor will it ever be. It is not just about climbing social and financial ladders in order to show off one's expertise in achieving those particular goals. Without a heart, one's soul is in dire straits. Closed minds and hearts will only earn you what your selfish efforts deserve. Look ahead and navigate the bends and curves in life, with care and concern. If you look back and see your path strewn with those you have carelessly neglected to lend aid to, someone will certainly forget to lend you a helping hand in your time of need. Take heed, and fair warning, Gretchen.