Hope Shines at MPB Group…

A little birdie told me about the impact of a good deed. Observing our clients complete a slip of paper each week after meeting with his/her therapist with the possibility of winning a coveted prize was a witness to hope. Not the Mr. Wonka’s golden ticket kind of hope, but something more precious. A turkey can provide nourishment in body and soul as witnessed with the family sitting around the table, gathered to create special experiences and memories. A very central clinical skill is to instill hope. Hope is the sense of what is possible when all seems lost. Hope is restoration and relief. Hope is looking forward. Hope is strength. The Laurel client answered the phone blearily and despairingly. Barely hearing her, I announced her as the winner, she giggled and lifted her voice to a more laudable volume. When she and her husband bounded into the clinic to pick up their prize, her husband emotionally confided they have never been able to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner, but this year they will be able to bring the star of the show. Roald Dahl wrote “so shines a good deed in a weary world” – this experience personified the impact of hope shining in our weary world. And that my friends, is what a birdie told me…