Recently I heard someone describe walking onto the Alpha campus like walking into a big hug and I was struck by how perfectly that captured the feeling of joy and acceptance I get when I come into work every morning.  The joy and excitement in the shouted greetings and eager faces almost create a tangible sense of arms wrapping me in and welcoming me to come join each person on their life’s journey.  Interactions vary from a smile and quick hello to a discussion of the weekend’s activities and upcoming plans or a debate over which football team is greatest, but they all have special meaning.  It’s a difficult task to describe a “typical” day at Alpha because, as I like to say, in some ways it’s like the Groundhog Day movie where everything seems the same, day in and day out, but at the same time, I never know what to expect.  There are many people that have repetitive behaviors and our conversations are often carbon copies from day to day, but yet they still surprise me with talents or interests I never knew they had.  Every day is an adventure and things take me by surprise all the time.  There are moments that make me laugh or smile and others that touch my heart or shake me to my core.  There are people that can make me break into a huge smile just by hearing their voice at the end of the hall and others that can completely change my attitude with a single hug.  Don’t I wish I had that kind of positive impact on the world!?!  So, the next time you feel the need to walk into the biggest hug you’ve ever experienced, give us a call and come out for a tour of Alpha and meet all the amazing people that I have the pleasure of seeing every day.  You’ll be glad you did!

-By Amy Buesker, Katie’s FUNd Coordinator