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I’ve created a new series for this page, featuring blogs developed and written by my very own team.  I hope they will help introduce you to the members of our Team who work daily on projects and issues we care deeply about.  I also hope you will take the time to not only read them, but respond to them.  Hearing your thoughts and ideas is a great way for us to connect to you and other Californians -- and important in learning how together we can make a difference in our communities and our state. 

Appreciate WE -- Learning From Those With Special Needs

My name is Annie Carney and I am the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for First Lady Maria Shriver.  I have the privilege of working on some of the First Lady’s incredible projects, such as healthy living, promoting strong families and Best Buddies.  I am truly honored to share with you my experiences and what I am continuing to learn here as a part of First Lady Maria Shriver’s Office – one of those lessons being that everyday is another chance to do your best at being you.

                We are taught at a young age that each and every one of us has our own unique set of talents and gifts.  These blessings are meant to be shared with others in a way that will enrich their lives, as well as our own.  And sometimes these gifts are not always on the surface, but are an integral part of who we are and how we live our lives.  It is not always about who is the best at sports, or the smartest in school or has the highest salary – it is about how we handle all of the challenges and obstacles that we face daily.  Achieving our goals despite having to overcome difficulties makes the end result that much more satisfying and rewarding.  Individuals who can appreciate their struggles as well as the journeys they have taken to surpass them, are truly extraordinary and are incredible examples of living life to the very fullest.  People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are those who rise above the barriers in their paths.  They are some of the kindest and hardest working people, as we in First Lady Maria Shriver’s Office in Sacramento had the joy to experience this year when John and Justin came to work in the mail room in the Governor’s Office.

                John and Justin came to us as interns through the Sacramento City College Community Transition Program, which provides support to developmentally disabled individuals as they transition from high school to college.  Everyday they came into the office for a few minutes to deliver and retrieve the mail, so enthusiastic and dedicated, with their ties perfectly knotted, smiles on their faces and a greeting for all in the office.  They were just happy to be in the here and now – excited about meeting new people while working in the California Governor’s Office.  There were times when John would announce himself as he came in to let us know “John is here with the mail!”  I would ask him how he was and he would turn this incredibly wonderful smile on me and say he was great – and you know what?  I believed him.  He just radiated positive energy and joy, and when he would leave, I would feel as if my day had just become that much better.  It didn’t matter that a fax didn’t go through, or someone was not returning my 3 phone calls.  Some people are blessed with that gift of happiness which infects others, and I feel so lucky to have met someone with that ability.  With his “can-do” attitude, nothing seems impossible or too hard to accomplish or a burden – all is truly possible.

Just last week, John was able to meet First Lady Maria Shriver.  It was touching to see the genuine affection John felt toward her, and the joy Maria took in him.  Those are the times that overshadow all the hardships and make the bad moments fade.

I am so grateful for the Justins and Johns of the world, who take the time and the energy to share their abilities and talents with others.  Who aren’t afraid to be open and let others see who they really are.

This month, Maria and all of us on her team celebrate the remarkable talents and accomplishments of people with special needs – we honor them for their perseverance and incredible bravery, and we hope we too can find that same spirit within ourselves.

And one more thing before you go . . .  Maria will be in China to help celebrate the Special Olympics Games which are being held in Shanghai.  Check with her website to see what she is up to next.  Thanks again for reading my blog!