you MUST listen

Listen to this --->

I was a center director with Sr Citizens Svcs before i went into the data entry department at the central office.

I often miss the learning experiences i was gifted by the elders while i was there at the center.

This note is about what the whole group learned from one very special lady.
She is the stereo-typical MentalHealth impaired "street person" - schizophrenia - who wears as many of her clothes as she can at the same time, even in the summer; has a permanent-appearing scowl on her assymetrical face, and talks [often responding vehemently] to herself.
She was someone that others at the center seemed to want to ignore when she first started hanging around the community center. They did not know that she was a messenger.
That's probably the reason Spirit had me pursue her to join our group.
It took some time - greeting her daily when she would wander into the building. Helping her understand what i was asking from her: basically show up, give info for paperwork required, and get a good couple of meals each day. But what took longest was convincing her that she was REALLY WANTED!
I think she is not invited to do much...that she is accustomed to being ignored.
She gave in at last, saying "you really want me here?"

At first the other seniors just tolerated her. But they now have a great respect for her - she has proven to be a very active volunteer: cleaning up the table after lunch, decorating pictures for the wall.

Basically anything i would ask, she would do with dedication and earnestness.
But it is her voice that inspired awe in the whole group. I think that is what really won their hearts.

We had a program and she asked me if she could sing solo. I had not heard her, but i believe everyone who wants to sing should do it - with gusto.

So i said go for it [and prayed that the other folks would be kind if she did not stay on key or in tune].

And when she opened her mouth - well let's just say there is no ignoring her when she is using that gift. Her voice is amazing - deep and resounding and full of spirit!
She also used to wander in and out of the office [teaching me patience] throughout the morning. Sometimes she just want to be near; sometimes she was checking on my paperwork and [without the ability to read or write or add or ...] she would give me advice on how to "get it together" as she put it!

All of us need to be productive and to be appreciated.
Anyway, she came in one day and, in response to my telling her i had to do end of the month reports, she stated:

"Well you prob'ly got more days in this month than in the year round."
Now, considering the traumas i was experiencing in my personal life, that particular March did feel like an entire year; so she was right on the button - funny and even a bit profound when i read it again.
You have to at least listen, don 'cha? Voices come in all keys and notes and if you do not give them a chance to be heard, who knows what you might miss!
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