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Aspire Living & Learning is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization, serving individuals in five New England states. They provide treatment and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to live more fully and more independently in their communities.
In a world where there is a lot of negativities being conveyed in our news and online, it is a joy when you run into a story that brings a smile to your face. Those are the ones that I wish that we had more of.
And so, I would like to share my recent experience with you.
A few of weeks ago I had the privilege of being invited to Aspire’s “Salute to Heroes Talent Show” – honoring active military, veterans, and first responders. I have worked with the lovely folks from Aspire Living and Learning at Restoration Farm in the past. They come once a month and do activities at the farm as part of their day program. Because of my background in Special Education, I have a love for these individuals and a great respect for the caregivers and parents who assist them in daily life.
It was wonderful seeing so many faces that I recognized. The show was so well done. Kudos to Lisa for working so diligently on the program and to John for supporting his staff and clients in making an event like this happen. In an election year season where much of the news can be very polarizing, it was great to step away for a couple of hours and listen and watch the performers. They bought tears to my eyes in being so proud to be an American and to appreciate the freedoms that we do have in this country. One of the local sheriffs who attended pointed out how they might think of him and other first responders as brave, but that these individuals were really the brave ones and he appreciated what they had done.
It was fun watching individuals who rarely get to have the spotlight – come out and shine. The choice of songs, videos, and performances just made me well up with gratitude that we live in a country of freedoms and religious choice. Churches like Mount Zion who hosted the event don’t often get acknowledgement for the work that they do in our communities. Mount Zion opens their doors weekly for adults with special needs and provides a safe, loving, caring environment where individuals can come together for fun in their community.
One performance in particular stuck out for me. It veered a bit from the patriotic God and country themes of the day, but it made me smile. One of the young gentlemen sang “When You Wish Upon a Star.” It was so pure, simple, and heartfelt. His smile was infectious. I remember a couple of years ago when I watched this same gentleman decorate one of the Christmas trees at Restoration Farm with the same joy on his face. I wish I could bottle up that pure joy on his face and pass it out to everyone. Or dabble a little bit on my own self when I am having a rough day or life just seems a little overwhelming. Maybe you can think of a person in your own life who exudes this joy.
So, thank you to Aspire and Mount Zion for giving me a couple of hours with my elderly neighbor and other friends in the special needs community. You reminded me of the good in our country and local churches. You made me proud to be an American and a Christian. You reminded me to tell others about the good news in our community and the Good News that I have in my life.