Reality Check


Sometimes you just need a perspective check. And, most of those times, you probably won’t even realize it. 

Enter serendipity.

Today, my partner and I got our much needed reality check. Right upside our heads. It was a particularly rough morning, and after feeling pretty defeated and beat up, we jumped in the car to head to Pathways to PACE to hear more about the center and the impact it has on girls’ lives. 

Ten minutes into it, we knew in our hearts that we had to be a part of this program. Before the girls even came in to speak, we were circling supplies to donate from the Amazon wish list, taking notes on the impressive stats, and scratching ideas down.

I got teary-eyed a few times. I figured Kathleen was doing the same  but couldn’t even look at her for fear of losing it. As the director announced the girls were ready, I grabbed a tissue from my bag in anticipation of the waterworks. 

Thank God I didn’t bawl, but I did have to wipe away a few drops. 

All the things we worry about suddenly seemed so ludicrous, so shallow.  In front of us sat two beautiful souls, brave enough at ages 16 and 17 to speak to us about their challenges, their shortcomings, and their successes.  They have already experienced a lifetime of hurt, already suffered things many of us couldn't even fathom. Yet, they have hope for the future. Not just their own futures, but the futures of younger siblings and others they meet along the way.  

Damn.

I think I have it in me to be strong in the face of that kind of adversity, but I wouldn’t know. I’ve never experienced anything that could be considered devastating. My “struggles” have been so surface I could scratch them off with my short nails. 

We didn’t even make it to the car before we were picking a day of the week that we would make the trip up to PACE to do ACT Reading Prep for girls who need a concordant score to graduate. 


After all, we have received plenty. Now it’s time to give. 

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