Today was a day for John
He worked. He had purpose. He engaged with his community and they engaged back. And, he got paid.
It was only 3 hours but anyone in the special needs community would call that a success. He kept it together. He did the job. And he most important of all.. enjoyed himself.
We often forget how lucky we are to be able to “do”. That for some, like John, to be given an opportunity to “do”.. means more to him than we could ever know.
Was it perfect?.. Well what is perfect? Is it folding the napkin just right? Or saying the words just so? By that measure, no. Not perfect. But if perfect in the sense of what community should be? In that case.. a resounding yes.. it was perfect.
It’s a simple thing. I am here and so are you. We should not forget one another. No one person was made less than another in God’s eyes.
He had help. A good friend of mine Garrett Swayne hopped on board to help fish the ice cream out for John while John greeted and served the customers. He would coax John along reminding him what to say and gave him that cool big brother vibe John thrives on.
I would catch John smiling. But not just John, Garrett. I could see how he was truly genuinely enjoying being in it with John. You see those with special needs have a way of bringing out the best in us. Reminding us that God’s love knows no bounds and that for every person born to be what we call specials.. it’s because of the lessons they are here to teach us.
When I built this little ice cream truck it was for days like today. To give John belonging. To create employment that pays him. And most of all to bring community too see that change is possible. That we as a society should never forget our most vulnerable.
Invite Special Deliveries to your school, church, workplace, neighborhood, or private event! Every stop helps us create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Book a Stop. Create an Opportunity.
Comments