Arc (formerly known as the Association for Retarded Children) was my workplace for nearly 17 years. I learned so much from the developmentally disabled adults we cared for and from the staff and co-workers.
It was never boring, nor was it always fun. Resident lost...."what do you mean she's missing, she can't move herself out of a chair?" Found her lying behind some neighbors bushes, covered with ants and laughing like hell. Residents who died. In the "old days" "consumers/residents" did not live much out of their teens. As health care has improved they are living much longer in general, 60, 70, 80 years. We have had sudden deaths of younger folks and long cancer deaths of the older ones. It is never easy to say goodbye. These folks become part of your spirit. The love they have is unconditional, forgiving. If we could only all learn to live this way.
Arc is no longer what it was as a workplace. Bob (big dude with the dreads) probably longs for the old days in earnest. Most of us have moved on, started new jobs, new families. But we are still friends and when we get together it is wild, like we have not been separated for months, a year or better.
During parties at my house I am happiest just sitting back, listening and watching my friends enjoy themselves, renew their spirits. My "party hosting" is something that my mom never gets. She thinks it is unfair, too much work for me, too much money, time, whatever. What I get back from seeing the looks on the faces of my friends is worth double any of that (and lets face it, I enjoy spending money and party planning). And so another year is ticking down and although it has had it's rough points there is a lot of happiness in it as well.
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