On this 25th anniversary of Employee Appreciation Day, Josiah would like to thank each and every one of his incredible employees, past and present, for their tireless dedication and hard work.  He would also like to apologize for not expressing his appreciation last year or the year before or the year before that.  He was unaware this day existed.

Please know he appreciated you then too.

He appreciates you starting your happy day EARLY in the morning in order to get here on time to help him start his.  He appreciates you staying LATE in the evening to help him get to bed.  He is grateful you are here in the wee hours of the morning when he can’t sleep or won’t sleep because sleep is highly overrated anyway.  Who needs sleep?

He appreciates the meals you make, the clothes you wash and the rides you take together.

He loves when you talk to him and not at him, as if he might respond at any moment.  Even though we both know he won’t, it shows you respect him and it means so much.

He is grateful you are patient with him, giving time to process requests before expecting compliance.  He more willingly responds when you give him a few seconds to understand expectations.

He loves that you encourage independence, allowing him to make choices and have some control.

He knows he can count on you to always be loving and kind with him.  Even when he’s not loving or kind in return.

He knows some days are NOT easy.  In fact some days are just plain challenging and exhausting and overwhelming.  Sometimes even, he hurts you.  When he’s in pain, he lashes out yet hears you say, “It’s okay.  He didn’t mean it.  He’s just trying to communicate.”  He’s amazed at your compassion and so incredibly grateful you are in his life.

He loves when you do special things with him.  He loves the library, bowling and going to the movies.  He loves walks in the mall and at the park and at the college.  He loves seeing his friends at the center.  He has a blast jumping on the trampolines at Urban Air and enjoys going to Putt Putt Fun House.  He loves walks on the beach.  He loves that you are brave enough to take him out to eat in restaurants.  He especially loves dances with bright lights and loud music.

Mostly, he loves you!

You arrive happy to see him and happy to help him, whatever that may include.  You make him feel welcome and included and accepted.  

You are making a huge difference in his life!  And WE are beyond grateful.

May God abundantly Bless you for your goodness and your grace!