By Cindy Adams

It's simple things, like coffee in the morning, that bring Ed contentment. He is not particularly interested in TV or music, and he doesn’t engage in small talk or trends. His agreeable nature, low-key lifestyle and limited expectations make Ed somewhat of an anomaly in our current world. And, the truth is, we could all be a little more like Ed.  

Ed and his three housemates, Ronnie, Charles and William, start each day with breakfast around the kitchen table at enCircle's Group Home in Madison Heights. That's how they like it. Together. 

"They are a house of brothers," said Stormie Shelton, Direct Support Professional II at enCircle.  

After breakfast, they all head to enCircle's Day Support program in Lynchburg. If it were up to Ed, they would be there seven days a week. One of the reasons is because he is the one who hits the button that starts the coffee brewing—again. He does it every morning, like clockwork. Most likely, he started anticipating that moment before he laid his head down the night before.  

"His main concern during the day is his coffee and camp," explained Brinda Harris, Direct Support Professional at Lynchburg Day Support.  

Ed loves a good campfire and roasting marshmallows. He enjoys overnight camps and a local church-sponsored day camp that he attends monthly but talks about daily. He also likes an easy game of bingo at an area YMCA and pushing a cart that delivers "Meals on Wheels" to seniors. Watching swans at the park triggers his signature smile, one that lights up a room. 

"Ed will be smiling when no one else is," said Brinda. "He is very observative, so who knows what he may be seeing or thinking. He's just generally happy throughout the day." 

When Ed returns home, his routine is simple. He washes his lunch box, removes his meticulously folded pajamas from his dresser and prepares for his shower that always happens before dinner. 

"It takes him an hour and a half to get things just the way he wants them," said Brittany Banks, enCircle Direct Support Professional at Ed's Group Home. "He likes things just right and never rushes."

Before dinner, Ed has chosen his clothes and laid them out for the next day.  

"Details are important to Ed," said Stormie. "He wants to be dressed nice. He prefers to wear a collared shirt, and he always looks so dapper, like he is going somewhere really important." 

Ed takes diligent care of his belongings, even folding his dirty clothes before putting them into the hamper.  

"He is quite the perfectionist," Brittany said. "I'll set the dinner table and if a napkin is crooked, you can bet he'll fix it. But he doesn’t say a word about it. He’s very kind." 

Ed eats dinner slowly and never leaves a drop. He tries to go to bed early. Very early. And he will sleep until the lights come on in the morning. Then, he starts again with his gentle, easy routine with no real expectations. Except for coffee, of course.  

What might it look like if we all took a lesson from Ed?