Life is Good!

Mary — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:44:22 +0000

One of the things that I admire in both of the girls is the fact that they don’t just sit around. They put themselves out there all the time. That isn’t always that easy as you set yourself up for disappointment but to have the determination and the effort to reach for the stars is such a positive thing! Sam attended a seminar put on by Southern in April. This very valuable seminar was designed to inform students about how to make themselves more employable. One of the panelists was an executive from ESPN. Those of you who know Sam know that she has ALWAYS dreamt of working at ESPN. She is a sports enthusiast and played many sports before her diagnosis in 1995. From that one meeting Sam was able to get a business card from this gentleman, Matt and kept in touch. He guided her and gave her some great advice, all of which she followed through on. This eventually turned into a telephone interview which turned into a personal interview which turned into a summer apprenticeship! She is in her glory, living her dream! She goes to work excited and brings that enthusiasm home at the end of her day. Another great bit of information about ESPN is that the few people that have been involved in Sam’s working relationship are AMAZING! ESPN appears to be a company with a heart, a company that works as a team, a company that cares about it’s employees. Joe and Marc are open minded and compassionate, they get the big picture of life. They see Sam for what her abilities are and know that getting her the tools she needs to put her on the same playing field as others are obtainable. HEY YOU GUYS! Thanks for validating all my years of work. All those years of instilling in the girls that they need to work hard to obtain their goals, to never give up hope! Sam is hoping that this will eventually turn into her dream of a career at ESPN

Alex has also found a job in her chosen field. Alex has decided to study palliative care Social Work at Southern. She loves to work in this field, which is so admirable. She also worked hard to follow through and get a summer job at Hospice in Branford. I have accompanied her and can tell you that it takes a very special person to work in this field…….which I can tell you is Alex. She is kind and insightful, she is full of compassion and has the most wonderful way with people. She has also been persueing her dream this summer at Hospice.

Alex is also working with a wonderful group of people who understand the importance of dignity and respect. She is learning so much and also getting so much out of this experience.

I am grateful for the chance to see both the girls living their dreams this summer. I see other kids their ages and they don’t have half the energy or drive that they do. I hope they know how very proud I am of their accomplishments. They don’t sit around and contemplate their own lives there is no pity-nor should there be!

Considering this summer was starting off with no one working and both girls thinking it was going to be a long boring summer…………..it has turned out really well! Life is Good!

In Peace and Love Always

Mary

Mary Caruso » diligence

Life is Good!