So my wife and I decided to take our two granddaughters for a Christmas lunch and show at the Famous People Players. The Famous People Players is a dinner/theatre group set up especially with and for youth and adults who are developmentally challenged. The meal is cooked, hospitality is provided and the black light theatre is performed by these challenged individuals whose participation in this effort gives them hope, skills and learning and, most, importantly, a sense of value and purpose. I have been to FPP numerous times but the gift planned for the kids was a gift I received once again. Truly.
This year they celebrated 40 years of existence. Their founder, Diane Dupuy, has devoted her entire adult life to this work and clearly believes in the value and worth of each of the young people who come to be with this troupe.
So back to the gift I received. 2014 came rushing over me with memories. A funny kind of year with new excitements and letting go of old friends. Horses who have taught me life lessons and exhausted this old body. Very young Sisters I met in Quito who gave me hope and renewed energy for the mission of Good Shepherd in our world. Significant friends whose lives were cut short by disease caused me pause about what is most important in the many 'things' we do. I became somewhat overwhelmed by the many sentiments flashing through my mind...most of those sentiments were of mindful gratitude. How blessed I have been to have life long friends everywhere. How fortunate I have been to have crossed paths with folks like Diane Dupuy, Jean Vanier, John Howard Griffin, Tom McKillop, Bob Carty. And then there is Sam, Larry, Jack, Joe, Ann and Myron, Frank and Nancy. Yes there was Irwin, my mentor and, of course my wife Judy, the journey's companion who keeps me honest. By the end of the show yesterday, I was in tears as the the music to the Impossible Dream played in the background.
Yes I have had my dreams and ideas. What have we done with those dreams shared in our hearts? Who has helped us achieve them along the way? Who inspired us to carry on? What/who made a great impact on you in 2014? Have we been true to the path we set out on in our own journey?
My dear, dear friend, Rose Virginie Pelletier came through significant trauma and side tracks in her life yet remained steadfast in her commitment to serve others as a nun. Diane Dupuy is very similar to Rosie in that there is a single minded commitment to get it done. Rose founded an international congregation of sisters and it expanded around the world. All the time she never lost touch with the most important value she had embraced. "That one person is of more value than a world" And so "always lift them up in their own eyes".
So the ending of 2014 is a time to feel really grateful for the many friends and loved ones who have kept me on the path. I am no Rosie or Diane but I had had my shared of dreams and high aspirations. I have been so gifted by all those who have shared the pathways with me....they inspire and challenge me. What about your pathways this year? Have you been able to move forward with your own dream ideas? What has been the most remarkable experience and person in your own life this year?
So let's share a box of tissue, pull up a seat and be mindful; for what are we most grateful?
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