A Visit With Old Friends

Be the change you wish to see in the world. - Gandhi

Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting with friends that I have had for almost ten years. They are the women I worked with at Allegheny East in Monroeville, the day program for adults with mental retardation. I chose the above quote to represent them during my "30 days of gratitude," because I truly feel that all of these women are "the change they wish to see in the world," whether conscious or not. We spent several hours reminiscing about the past, the camaraderie we shared at Allegheny East, and the fun times we had together. There were many common threads among us; positive attitudes, kindness and generosity, love for the people we were serving, and gratitude for being blessed with one another. Above all, we are a group of people who are able to laugh at ourselves and each other (with love, of course) for our mistakes. Sometimes laughter truly is the best medicine, and every one of these women possesses this particular healing power. What a wonderful group of women! I had so much fun, and I wish that I could have stayed longer.

This group of women has been with me for a long time now, through wonderful celebrations and also through some very dark periods. They have grown with me, guided me, laughed and supported me. I stumbled into my position at Allegheny East by what I then thought was an accident. Looking back, I now believe that it was God's hand that lead me to 510 Seco Road. He knew that these women and the consumers would give my soul what I needed, not only at that time in my life, but for years to come. Their love continues to nourish me, even long after my ties to the agency itself have been severed.

A few years ago, Norma gave me a mug that says, "The bonds we have are everything." How true that is! "The bonds we have are everything." For the bonds I have made, for my friends at Allegheny East, who despite having moved in separate directions continue to gather together and show their love for one another, I am grateful. Thanks to you, girls! I love you all!