Waiting.
The announcement board showed several flights arrived, even more cancelled and the flight we were waiting for just said: Delayed.
Delayed in airports can mean ... delayed.
Delayed can also mean ... soon to be cancelled.
So when the lights flickered and the sign read Arrived, we were thrilled.
Scanning every face that came through we were finally rewarded with seeing Ruth and Steve. Ruth Ryan-Meyers has come to do a presentation for Vita Community Living Services and as I know her I have the joy of hosting them for the next couple of days. We all rushed into a big hug and then sorted luggages and cars and got on the way to the hotel.
We'd stocked their room with their favourite imbibies and a bundle of salty, crunchy snacks. We gathered around the couch in their room and set into talk. Of course we caught up on personal stuff, Steve and Ruth still act like newlyweds and once that was done we settled into what we talk about. Ruth's expertise is in working with people who are dually diagnosed, hard to serve - but her real skill is in seeing situations and possibilities that slip by those with ordinary eyes. From the moment we met Ruth and I swap stories that's what we do. And that's what we did that night.
A kinship is built up in shared passions. I understood then why parents of kids with Down Syndrome or Williams Syndrome go to conferences together - it's the opportunity to revel in kinship. To be able to speak 'code' to be with someone who has been there, done that and discovered something new. It's like membership in a club that you thought you'd never want to join but can't exist without now.
That's what it is for Ruth and I.
It's why we're friends.
I understand her words.
She understands mine.
I like that.
I completely understand what you mean. There is a huge difference between people who do this work simply for the work, and those who do the work because they feel a passion, even a calling. I remember once telling a co-worker (who was working as a DSP until she graduated from college) about my excitement when someone I was supporting initiated direct eye contact with me. After months of working together, I felt that we had made finally made an authentic connection. Well, this coworker couldn't understand my feelings - she thought it was no big deal. I told the same story to another colleague, and she actually became teary. She understood, as I do, that those "no big deal" moments that are so easy to miss are, in actuality, momentous.
ReplyDeleteDave,
ReplyDeleteand what a presentation it was.
Having now met Ruth, and heard her speak, I only wish I could be present for a few of those conversations - because I know I cannot even imagine the stories. What a great friendship you must share!
Yeah, what a presentation it was! Thanks Vita -- and Dave, (and everyone else who had a part) for that wonderful opportunity to hear Ruth's stories.
ReplyDeleteFinally, I get to be one of those people that was "there" for an event you mentioned in your blog...
And yes, you and Ruth certainly do speak the same language. Two story-tellers extraordinaire in one room... Oh, to be a fly on the wall!
And Lina really does have amazing boots! :)
That's really annoying because I feel so desperate when I have to wait for my flight or when the flight is delayed I can understand your situation.m10m
ReplyDelete