I’m proud of my sister, Lisa. She lives every day to help others, despite her own challenges. Life with our mom, Sue, was often difficult but remembering her legacy of service matters and I can see Sue’s positive traits in Lisa. A lovely example? Lisa was recognized this week at an event celebrating the volunteers at Clearbrook – a wonderful organization supporting individuals with disabilities. The place where Lisa and I literally found family over a decade ago, when we needed it the most. Seeking high ground when life with Sue took a tumultuous turn.
We were privileged to be part of Clearbrook’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner last week. When Lisa and I discussed what we wanted to say in order to shine the biggest spotlight we could on the tireless volunteers and the team at Clearbrook, we had the same idea.
Let them know they matter.
I told Lisa about a favorite quote from Dr. Leo Buscaglia and asked if she thought it was a good thing to share when it was our turn at the podium:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
– Dr. Leo Buscaglia
Lisa nodded in heavy agreement and said, “That’s what I do when I’m working at the front desk. I help the people and remember to smile, because they’re nervous. Smiles help. I’m like Leo.”
When we arrived at the venue and parked, Lisa paused in the car and patted my leg. Thanking me for being her sister…emotion all over her sweet face. Mine, too.
We were a few minutes early, so we passed the time by revisiting wacky road trips and the adventure in life we’ve been on, side-by-side, for decades.
It felt like a selfie moment, so I pulled out my phone and snapped a pic, showing it to Lisa who said, without missing a beat, “Yep. That’s us. We look the same as always, don’t we?”
I thought about that – wanting to disagree. A lot. But when I got home that night, I figured out what she meant. I found her favorite photo of the two of us and when I plopped the pics, side-by-side, I understood Lisa’s comment. Take a look for yourself:
Sisters, still. Linked by love and gratitude across the decades. Both on a mission to highlight the good wherever we can. Especially at an event for wholehearted volunteers and the team at Clearbrook that makes magic happen. Every single day.
With love,
Lisa and Vicki 💝
Learn more about the worthiest organization…one that lives up to their motto: “Enrich Lives. Embrace Potential.” Give | Clearbrook
Loving Lisa: “I’m Like the Others” – Victoria Ponders
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
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Victoria Ponders 
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