Inspiring Moments

I've had quite a few inspiring moments this past few weeks that I just want to pen down. Just in case I (or you!) need some pick-me-ups in the future:

1. Elaine telling me that me planning for everyone to meet up for dinner at a Chinese restaurant for her 50th birthday really made her feel special like no other. Funny how a small gesture like texting a buncha people to meet at a certain time and day for someone's birthday could really mean the world to people. Shows how important little gestures are.

2. Knowing that I have the most understanding friends really makes me feel blessed. Joliana and Hui who are so willing to take a step back and never judging behind my back, makes me love them so much more. Thanks girls! :)

3. Listening to my clients talk about their life every Fridays makes me want to be superwoman and make the world perfect for some people. It's difficult enough that these teenagers have difficulties socializing, what makes it even more difficult is that they get bullied in school by their peers. Their comments of "When I visit my biological father this summer....", "We lost our house because my parents don't have enough money so now we're living in a crappy apartment", "Our home by Habitat for Humanity is finally finished!" or "My parents received their tax returns last week, so we can finally get our Christmas presents" really tugs on the heartstrings.

4. Elaine's advice: "When you're with someone, take things one at a time. Don't feel like you have to plan out your entire life. If you decide its time to get engaged, then get engaged. But don't plan for a wedding. You don't have to. When the both of you think you're ready for the next step to get married, then get married. You don't have to get engaged and figure out a date for the wedding then and there!" - thanks Elaine. I'll keep this in mind whenever the time comes.. haha.

5. Hearing a client at Brainbuilders today retell the story of how he met his wife during World War II and how he fell in love with her and decided to marry her was the sweetest thing in the world. He said he's had the best life - married to the most wonderful woman, with 2 great kids - at the age of 85 he's the luckiest man. Watching all these men with Alzheimer's interact with their wives really brings out the best feelings in a person. The wives are so patient with their husbands, and understands them when no one else can. They willfully support their husbands out of the wheelchair to get into the car - gently nudging their husbands' legs to get them to lift them; Seeing them zip up their husbands coats and helping them to put on their gloves; Seeing these old couples walk hand in hand across the parking lot to the car - I think I would be the happiest person in the world at 80 or even 70, to have someone love me so unconditionally despite my deteriorating memory, and who still wants to hold my hand and who still remembers our first date. (so very 'The Notebook'!)

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