Blog with HOPe

By: Kathleen Nardi

            LOL, OMG: every day we use those shortcuts to text and email; we even say them out loud. One that I love is CYB. Never heard of it? Count Your Blessings.  It’s been my mantra for many years. One year my husband and I had a Thanksgiving party in July. Never have I felt more blessed than the last year and a half working here at HOPe. Of course, I am grateful for the angels on earth that attend our programs. It’s hard not to be inspired by their wonder and awe. Lately, I’m also soaking up the generosity of spirit that comes from my co-workers. I work with Paula and Amy and Lori, and now Jerilyn. Even though we have different roles, we are a team in pursuit of the same vision of hope for ourselves, each other and our precious clients. In a casual conversation just yesterday, Amy’s words reminded me of the importance of God at the center of my life. Paula’s and Amy’s blogs give me energy; you can imagine how electric it is to be near them every day! Blessings all around.

            Hope: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. At House of Possibilities, it is our mission to deliver a feeling of hope; to enable clients’ desires to be fulfilled. Our blessings derive from this mission.

            The successful operation of our programs requires a delicate balance of clients’ needs, personalities, and capabilities. It is a challenge when a new adult joins one of our programs. I know the house is a stimulating environment with robust activities, but sometimes I don’t always think we can penetrate a world that has been quiet for so long. I cannot always visualize how an already compatible group can adjust to new member. To my constant surprise, within a week or so, these wonderful people engage and fully participate in group activities. I am joyful that our mission is successful. I am amazed at the spirit of inclusion and how the group becomes stronger with each new soul.

            Now I am used to these hopeful events, both small and grand. Now I am more open to the possibility that with hope, that which is desired can be attained. I see little miracles every day… small steps that lead to big successes in every corner of the house. I’m more in tune with the rhythm of the voices of hope and joy … counting my blessings every day.