News of the mass shooting at the regional center in San Bernardino came from a colleague and struck me hard. I immediately thought of all of the good people that I know at the regional center where this event occurred. One person that comes to mind is the caring service coordinator who has served my children with autism here in Orange County for many years. In fact, it was exactly at this time of year when I first met “Dolly”. She came to my door wearing a Santa hat and holding gifts for my kids whom she had never met before. I was as stunned then by such unexpected generosity as I am now in my grief. These are people whose first and last thought of the day is how they can help the scores of children and adults who they are personally entrusted to serve.

Many people outside of California have no organization comparable to the regional center. At one time, I lived where families affected by autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and lesser known lifetime challenges, had to piece together help for their loved ones on their own. Among those who were there that day were the state’s elves. They brought the services of therapists, respite workers, transportation services, work programs, and housing providers to those in need. They made all the arrangements. They kept the paperwork and the financial balancing mostly invisible to the families. They kept tabs on the support they set into motion to ensure it was making a difference.I believe there is potential for goodness in everyone, even at times like these when that seems inconceivable. Employees at the regional center magnify goodness and express it as their profession. Their acts of service open up a stream of help that brings about lasting positive change. I know this firsthand. My children’s lives are the proof.When the paralysis of this shock subsides, it is my hope we can blend the purpose of the lives lost with our own unique ways of magnifying goodness - - keeping their energy alive, always.