An Incredible Life Experience

When I was asked by a dear friend to help with a video project for an organization in Cary, NC called "Life Experiences," I had no idea I was truly about to embark on one of my own most memorable, beautiful, joyful and worthwhile life experiences.

Life Experiences is a non-profit organization that provides employment to adult individuals with various disabilities. This year, 2018, is a big year for the organization. They've been around for 40 years. And they wanted a short video to help share the story of the employees for their annual fundraising gala. But the leadership of Life Experiences wanted this video to be different. They wanted the employees to share the story of Life Experiences in their own words.

I must admit, I had no idea what to expect. Would I get a series of interviews that move me to tears? Would I be able to ask questions in a way that makes sense to the employees? Would I be able to piece together a video at all? Boy, was I in for a shock (the amazing, blow-you-away kind).

I was beyond blessed when Jim Kumorek agreed to join me on this adventure. Jim ended up lighting and filming almost all of the footage while I directed and interviewed the employees. And what we were able to capture in two short half-days was a dazzling and colorful variety of precious personalities.

They were hilarious. They were serious. They were overwhelmingly happy. They were deeply sincere.

To a person, these employees were grateful. They were grateful for the opportunity to be employed by Life Experiences. They were grateful to the staff and volunteers. These employees truly appreciated being treated like people who matter.

Getting paid is an event worthy of genuine outbursts of unashamed joy, the likes of which I rarely see in the world outside of Life Experiences. Their joy is contagious, charming and refreshing. Oh, how I wish they could bottle up this joy as easily as they wrap silverware, fold towels and bake deliciously rich brownies.

Above all, each person has made a lot of great friends at Life Experiences. What really amazed me was these friends didn't always share the same disabilities. They weren't always the same age, gender or race. And they didn't see any of that in each other. All they see is the love of a valuable human. What a wonderful lesson we could learn from how the employees of Life Experiences show love to each other and to each person who walks through the door. There are no strangers. Only friends, love and open arms.

I was sincerely blessed by this experience. What an honor to produce this video. God bless the donors, volunteers, staff and employees of Life Experiences and their families.

#LifeExperiences