Out of Nowhere...

[azskyman]

Was having a pretty good week at work this week...sharing a little bit of Christmas spirit in the middle of a meeting, by the water cooler and copy machine, even on the phone with a cranky customer who called me back later this morning with a little Santa in his voice instead of Scrooge.

Out of Nowhere came another chance to grow the Christmas spirit a little more this afternoon.

An employee of mine came in to my office asking if he could share a little challenge he was having with his ten year old son.

Chuck, a top night pressman of mine these days, shared the story of how from the time he was six he had been placed in 7 different foster homes. His displaced life found him "under three different religions" during that time...and he had so many foster brothers and sisters he couldn't remember them all. Until he came to work for me, the longest he had stayed anywhere was three years. He is working on six with me.

Chuck's ten year old is going through some severe behavioral times. He was diagnosed with ADHD...maybe bipolar...maybe even schizophrenia. Could be Aspergers, too. Chuck and his wife (and other two children) are desperate for some help.

I offered to call a friend of mine who works with kids with a variety of problems. I told him I would set up a conversation between the two...and he could decide if she was a source of possible help...or simply move on in another direction. His choice.

I called Mona today. She is the clinical director at the counseling center where I worked last year. She said she would be delighted to talk with Chuck and his wife and felt certain she could head them in the direction of help.

Out of Nowhere...Mona told me that two of my favorite students from last year have never quit talking about me...and asking about me. In fact, their mom was hoping someday I would return to tutor them. They are 12 and 14.

In the process of doing a good thing for someone else, I now am invited to go visit these two special young friends of mine and Mona on Wednesday next week.

Funny how when we reach out in one way to help someone...we can so often find something good coming back our way without even looking for it.

I'll let you know how the reunion goes....and keep you posted on Chuck's progress too.

The lights on the tree seemed a little brighter after that conversation.

Hopefully your holiday will find you getting an opportunity like this "out of nowhere" too. They are the best kind.

I found a little more Christmas today.

Anyone else having any luck?

[coriolis]

I could use some luck of a different sort. We're in the position of having our son in a foster home. If he behaves for the next couple of weeks, he'll be allowed to have a home visit for Xmas.

[Stephanie]

That's very heartwarming Steve! I'll look forward to hearing about the meetings and what happened with Chuck's son.

Ed - I hope that everything goes well with you and your family and that your son will be home for Christmas.

[raine]

Out of nowhere....I come here, find this post by you...read it, let it melt into my heart...out of nowhere suddenly I feel a wee bit better, the sadness and shock of suddenly losing a loved one today is still prevalent...but I find myself smiling....despite it all.....rejoicing for you, for your co worker who has a bit of hope...and those children whose lives you so evidently touched in a positive light....

God Bless you and thank you...for sharing, for caring,for making a difference in someone's life today...

Raine

[therock1811]

Out of nowhere....I come here, find this post by you...read it, let it melt into my heart...out of nowhere suddenly I feel a wee bit better, the sadness and shock of suddenly losing a loved one today is still prevalent...but I find myself smiling....despite it all.....rejoicing for you, for your co worker who has a bit of hope...and those children whose lives you so evidently touched in a positive light....

God Bless you and thank you...for sharing, for caring,for making a difference in someone's life today...

Raine

Another example of what I was talking about earlier...Steve, God bless you!!!!!!!!!