There was a time in my life where I flew a lot, a dozen times or so a month.
I met a lot of travelers and professionals on those flights. Most where trying to get the flight over without making any new friends, some however, loved to chat and pass time.
One man I met had a very unique way of balancing the effects of flying.
I sat beside him on my last trip to San Francisco. It was about the time that Barak Obama was being inaugurated into the Whitehouse. Most people where excited to have this fresh perspective in power, a great deal of negativity was directed towards the outgoing president.
The man I sat beside did not see things that way, and I am grateful that I go the chance to learn from him.
He told me that he was excited about the new energy going into the Whitehouse, but he also is taking time to acknowledge the work and gifts of the outgoing president.
He said he thinks of life like this flight we were on. He knows that we are going somewhere; we are on our way to a trip, a destination, an opportunity or home. We are excited to get there, but we have to appreciate the work that has gone into getting us there.
Our ancestors are the creators of this reality, and although it is not perfect, it does have a lot to be appreciated.
He told me that when he flies he takes time to thank all the believers in the science of flying. He takes time to appreciate the architects and engineers who put this plane together. He takes a moment to honor the millions of people who work at the airports around the world keeping us safe and on time.
He says that if we move forward blindly we put all the work of our ancestors in neglect and we will be doomed to repeat our ancestors mistakes.
“To make the world a better place, learn what has already been done, then improve it” That was his recipe for change.
It was a great flight talking with this man. He was a great teacher and I honor him by sharing his story.
I was reminded of this story when I was thinking about the NADD conference in San Francisco that I am in flight to.
Support work has a dark history to it. There were institutions and abuses in the past.
There were also brave voices. There were loud peacemakers. There were hard workers with huge hearts who brought us out of that dark time and into a time of change and openness.
These massive, glowing ruby hearted front line workers were most likely ridiculed for their caring and some were attacked.
I honor those who have come before me.
The unheralded front line workers who worked their careers to advocate and support a better place for those who need our help.
The past is not something to be shameful of. It is not something I choose to regret. It is a time where we learned and a time that has taught us what not to do and why.
To the caregivers, front line support workers, golden-hearted advocates, I applaud you.
I will not let your work go in vain.
I will continue to grow and learn how to improve the quality of care and inclusiveness of the people we support.
I am proud to carry on the work that you started.
There is not an award for long term service to advocating and front line support work, or a wall of fame, but you will have a statue in my heart.
Thank You
Now tomorrow I actually go to the conference... let it begin!
I met a lot of travelers and professionals on those flights. Most where trying to get the flight over without making any new friends, some however, loved to chat and pass time.
One man I met had a very unique way of balancing the effects of flying.
I sat beside him on my last trip to San Francisco. It was about the time that Barak Obama was being inaugurated into the Whitehouse. Most people where excited to have this fresh perspective in power, a great deal of negativity was directed towards the outgoing president.
The man I sat beside did not see things that way, and I am grateful that I go the chance to learn from him.
He told me that he was excited about the new energy going into the Whitehouse, but he also is taking time to acknowledge the work and gifts of the outgoing president.
He said he thinks of life like this flight we were on. He knows that we are going somewhere; we are on our way to a trip, a destination, an opportunity or home. We are excited to get there, but we have to appreciate the work that has gone into getting us there.
Our ancestors are the creators of this reality, and although it is not perfect, it does have a lot to be appreciated.
He told me that when he flies he takes time to thank all the believers in the science of flying. He takes time to appreciate the architects and engineers who put this plane together. He takes a moment to honor the millions of people who work at the airports around the world keeping us safe and on time.
He says that if we move forward blindly we put all the work of our ancestors in neglect and we will be doomed to repeat our ancestors mistakes.
“To make the world a better place, learn what has already been done, then improve it” That was his recipe for change.
It was a great flight talking with this man. He was a great teacher and I honor him by sharing his story.
I was reminded of this story when I was thinking about the NADD conference in San Francisco that I am in flight to.
Support work has a dark history to it. There were institutions and abuses in the past.
There were also brave voices. There were loud peacemakers. There were hard workers with huge hearts who brought us out of that dark time and into a time of change and openness.
These massive, glowing ruby hearted front line workers were most likely ridiculed for their caring and some were attacked.
I honor those who have come before me.
The unheralded front line workers who worked their careers to advocate and support a better place for those who need our help.
The past is not something to be shameful of. It is not something I choose to regret. It is a time where we learned and a time that has taught us what not to do and why.
To the caregivers, front line support workers, golden-hearted advocates, I applaud you.
I will not let your work go in vain.
I will continue to grow and learn how to improve the quality of care and inclusiveness of the people we support.
I am proud to carry on the work that you started.
There is not an award for long term service to advocating and front line support work, or a wall of fame, but you will have a statue in my heart.
Thank You
Now tomorrow I actually go to the conference... let it begin!