What I've learned.....

     From the time I was about 6 years old and lying on my stomach in my backyard examining ants with a magnifying glass, I knew one thing.  I was going to be a veterinarian.  I loved animals, all kinds…from the tiniest of ants to the elephants that charged through the “Elephant Walk” house.

  I never became a veterinarian.  I found my profession quite on accident and could have never learned as many things in veterinary school as I have here in the past 20 years.  Years at Harvard studying under the most distinguished professors could never have taught me half as much as what I’ve learned.

   Soon I will have been with an agency for 20 years that provides services to adults that are developmentally disabled. I have learned much and have been so lucky to be able to do something I love so passionately..  Few people can make a statement like that and I know it. I see people racing to work, cell phones glued to their ears, papers hanging out of their briefcases….skirts twisted…no thanks.

   I only want to share some of what I’ve witnessed over the years and hope that those who choose to read this can see how truly lucky I’ve been.

 

  I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter if you sing on key and know all the words to the song, sing anyway and sing if you have to make up the words.  Sing loudly and don’t care whose listening. Smile like you’re on a Broadway stage and improvise with a makeshift microphone, it’s more fun.   One of my favorite songs is now, “How great them are!” 

I’ve learned that it doesn’t always matter how much my paycheck is; only that I get one and it has MY name on it.

I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how high my kite gets in the sky.  What matters is that its tail is long and the brightest of yellows and its diamond body is darting around like a serpent on fire, it isn’t high but it makes me laugh.

I’ve learned that finishing a race is all that matters, first place doesn’t matter.

I’ve learned not to complain so much.  A dish room in mid-August is more than stifling, no complaints, only smiles and heartfelt thank-yous for simply making an appearance. 

I’ve learned that Elvis had a middle name and it was Aron.

I’ve learned never to take my family for granted.  Each minute that I spend with them is such a gift. 

I’ve learned that kool-aide is still as good as it was when I was a kid if not better.

I’ve learned that when I dance I don’t have to be as good as Madonna.  I can dance and express myself anyway I want.  I can laugh at myself too, that’ s part of the fun.

I’ve learned that in this world there are only two baseball teams, the Cardinals and the Cubs.  (I always THOUGHT there were others)

I know that taking something that doesn’t belong to me isn’t right.  Every photograph I have is irreplaceable. Fire trucks, semis and girlfriends are a force not to be reckoned with.

I’ve learned to listen.  What mattered before to me no longer holds the same significance.

I’ve learned that what happens inside a cocoon really is a miracle, plain and simple.

I’ve learned that throwing a fish back is better than eating it and that a 3 inch bluegill rates right up there with a 20inch largemouth bass.  On my fish-o-meter…..zackly the same.

I’ve learned that colored stones held directly up to my eye make the world indeed look like a beautiful place.

I’ve learned that if my shoes aren’t shined it’s ok.

I’ve learned that yes, paperwork IS important BUT not to get so caught up in it that you don’t talk to those around you, every single day.

Feel Blessed today, I do