Do you know a person who, in spite of mountainous challenges seems to find the goodness in life?
Let me introduce you to my sister, Sarah.
Sarah has never driven a car, or owned a cell phone, or been married. Many years ago she was diagnosed with a combination of serious mental illnesses, and has spent most of her adult life living in group homes. She currently lives at East Lake Arbor- a residential facility for adults with various special needs. I’m not telling you this to make you feel sorry for her- just to paint the picture. Please don’t stop here!
From the outside, Sarah’s life sounds dark and claustrophobic. But, most of the time when I talk with her she makes me smile and usually laugh. Recently Sarah let me in on a comforting fact. She has top security clearance with the CIA.
When I ask her what’s new at East Lake Arbor, Sarah ends many sentences with a simple phrase, “that’s a good thing.” I don’t mean monumental things like world peace. I’m talking about things like cheese on her grits at breakfast. That’s a good thing. Or feeling the warm sunshine on her face when she sits on the bench in the gated courtyard. That’s a good thing, too.
Sarah loves care packages. Her list of favorite things rarely changes. She loves Velcro shoes and jewel toned track suits. She says they are her colors. Yesterday she told me how thankful she is that her clothes all go together. We laughed about her style being like ‘Garanimals.’
She likes reading glasses for her Daily Guidepost, but isn’t particular what strength they are. 1.0 or 3.75- it’s all good to her. For very special days she might request Mountain Dew, Vienna sausages or canned sardines in a care package. All good things.
Sarah continues to remind me not to worry so much about what isn’t right; but to be grateful for Velcro shoes and canned sardines.
Now, that’s a good thing.
Well, maybe not the sardines.
How do you stay tuned in to the good stuff?