Holiday Cards & Meaningful Messages

Holiday cards, not many people send them these days. I suppose they don’t hold much meaning anymore living in this digital world. But I received one the other day that brought a smile to my face. It was from a former student. The card had a montage of pictures taken of him over the past year. The last time I saw him he was probably around thirteen. The photos now looking back at me was the face of a young man who seemed very happy. When I looked at the envelope return address, my eyes filled with tears, happy tears. The address was an adult housing organization for those with autism and developmental disabilities. It was the same organization that began as a grassroots effort by five parents, including myself, who had aging special needs children. That effort took hold over a decade ago and now he was living there. You see, I just retired this past June after seventeen years of working with special needs students ranging from severe to learning disabled. This young man fell in the lower end of the curve and will always require lifelong care. It was no ordinary holiday card; it was truly a gift. A full circle moment that my time spent advocating for these kids was an investment in others. This was beyond a meaningful holiday card. It was confirmation from the universe I had lived on purpose, that my efforts had helped to change a life. A message for which I am forever grateful. So, here’s my holiday message to you: Do something for someone else… just because you can. You never know the impact it may have; the ripple effect just may help change a life.