My story about Carlo begins about a year ago, at the beginning of 2006. I was looking on the job board on night (after
many other unsuccessful searches) and came across a job that sounded too good to be true. So I cautiously contacted Carlo
about the job.
I sent him a SMS and emails, and he requested that we talk over MSN. Of course I don't know much about computers, so that
was a bit of a drama in itself. But in the end it all panned out and we got to chatting. Carlo confused me a bit by using
computer slang (like LOL), so I needed my sister to interpret for me (LOL!!!).
Anyhow, we both found each other nice (or at least I like to think) so we met and has an 'interview'. When I first met
Carlo I was a bit scared by the fact that he is in a chair and was unable to talk, but I soon got the picture: he could communicate
better than most people can!! Well, he offered me the job there and then, which was great, and we arranged for the training
to begin.
I had my first training sessions with one of Carlos old carers. At first I was so worried that I would hurt him, but it
soon became clear that he is a pretty tough man! So I overcame that fear pretty quickly.
Over the past year Carlo and I have had some difficult times (like losing his job at aldata, and the horrendous wait for
his new chair) but we have also had many great times. We have been shopping and out to lunch, but the thing that I enjoyed
the most was just sitting down with him and having a chat. It is the little things like that that have been the foundation
of the great friendship that we have formed.
I am going to miss Carlo so much, but, looking on the bright side, we will still have our little chats, on MSN.Working
with Carlo has taught me a very important lesson: smile, and the world will smile with you.
