Living Large

Tags: Business, General,

In my line of work you get to meet a lot of interesting people. I’ve been kissed by a Prince (twice). Taught golf by a touring pro. Gone deep sea fishing with a Hall of Fame baseball player.  Confided my biggest fear to the first man who walked on the moon. Worked countless rooms promoting Hollywood stars and Broadway legends. And then just two weeks ago, I met Susie and her mom, Chrissy. I think I’ve peaked.

I’ve come to find that interesting people all have one thing in common: character (and many are true “characters”).

It’s not always about the titles, awards, or accomplishments, although that does tend to heighten the glow and attract the crowd.

It has more to do with their resilience. The literal spring in their step and positive attitude that keeps them spiraling forward in spite of loss, disappointment, changing circumstances and seemingly insurmountable odds.

My first encounter with Susie and Chrissy was by phone, and let’s just say they had me at “hello.”

I was interviewing them for a video we were making about individuals with disabilities who were living purposeful, busy lives, staying fit, going to work, learning new skills, volunteering in the community, visiting cultural sites, hanging out with friends.

Susie is living that life, thanks to her family’s can-due diligence that led them to Penn-Mar Human Services and a model program there that has Susie, and three other young adults with disabilities, showing what it means to confront every day with wonder, persistence and appreciation.

Susie, 23, was born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. Typically it’s associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and characteristic facial features.

In another time, not so long ago, people like Susie would have had little, if any, engagement with the world outside of their immediate families.

But I found Susie to be very “worldly:” charming, gregarious, supremely confident and amazingly accomplished.

Her charismatic mom has a lot to do with it.

A nurse by profession, Chrissy put her career on hold for 20 years to care for her family, and was only too happy and proud to recount Susie’s amazing journey.

Sacrifice along the road to success is another hallmark of interesting people. They tend to take the long view.

When these two incredible ladies finally told their story on camera, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

It was obvious they navigated the winding road hand-in-hand. They finish each other's sentences. Set-up stories for each other like a seasoned comedy act. Dress in matching colors. And absolutely adore each other’s company.

That’s another thing about interesting people. They make you want to be, and linger, in their magical orbit.

I was curious to know how Chrissy and her daughter managed to overcome the many obstacles, false starts, personal disappointments, and heartaches that confront so many families in similar circumstances.

Chrissy's response was simple. Profound really.

She said she always addresses a challenge by asking the person on the other end, “How can I help you make this work?”

Collaboration, civility, and no doubt compromise.

Just imagine if everyone came to the table with that approach?

If every world leader said that and actually meant it? 

If every unhappy customer encountered that attitude?

If every team project started with that generous offer?

Life is filled with all kinds of interesting people.

But the ones who are heroic, inspiring and wise are the most interesting people of all.

Anita Alvare (bio)/Alvare Associates/610-520-6140

Penn-Mar Human Services,  Down Syndrome