Very Busy

For me, the holidays are always busy. I was lucky to see a couple of my old friends this week, and I also celebrated Vanessa's birthday. Times are tough on all businesses, and I am not excluded. Bills, mixed with life and a twist of drama can add up to be pretty realistic.

I will write more later, but I have to go write a letter to in home supported services about my lack of payment for December, but it;s time to get on it!

The Cab Ride

I thought this was beautiful...another great reason for more in home care.
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An Inspirational Story, Motivational Story -
The Cab Ride
By Author Unknown (submitted by Rebekah)

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away. But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".

"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

"I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers," I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said,
but
they will always remember how you made them feel.

OBAMA WINS!!!

My grandfather started the first African American radio station in Baltimore, and my father is a former reporter who interviewed Malcolm X. I am so happy that my grandfather is looking down to see the first black President and the hope of a brighter future for America and all of our issues that face our Nation, and the world.

I look forward to what's to come.

Funny Quotes

W. C. Fields.

Thoughts for the Day

John McCain can't type.


Moving sucks.

Indecisive...

World peace.

I get by with a little help from my friends.

Wild World (for you, Michael!)

Moonshadow.

Where do the Children Play?

The woman in the moon.

A Horse With no Name.

Supported Life - Day 1

I touched down in Sacramento today.

I've got the whole day free tomorrow (Wednesday) and I would love to see anyone. For anyone who cares, I'm giving a presentation about supported learning at the Supported Life conference at the Doubletree.

Today was all about the train, the hot tub, and the hotel bar.

And of course, the debate.

Give me a call on my cell at 415-407-9297.

Crazy Life

My life is so crazy right now.

My girlfriend and I got into a big fight, and now I don't know whether or not she will move in with me. She and I have been together for 6 years, and we are both guilty of holding onto feelings and not being able to accept each other's differences and opinions. My life is up in the air because she is making me wait on her decision despite many inconveniences. I am also in the process of moving to my new office, and my internet is down at home.

Anyone reading this should contact me, as I am really in need of friends and support with all of this turmoil. I wake up too early, I have nightmares, and I'm always stressed. I will begin to write more when things are calm again. I am afraid to lose 6 years of a relationship over one argument, but then again, life has to go on. I am also afraid to be living alone and having to be on my own again. My new house is nice, but I really want my girlfriend to move in with me. If we do end up going our separate ways, it will force us to go through 6 years of crap, and separate her stuff from my stuff. What a bummer. We are both very hardheaded and very detemined, and there's a lot to be said for both of those qualities.

I just keep thinking, "why is it all happening right now?" and, "why does this have to be so hard?" I have to go give a speech next week, not to mention get a ramp installed, pack, move, find some new attendants, get my internet working at home, start graduate school online, and not have a nervous breakdown in the process, and I am close.

I hope this is not the end...