September 28, 2023

Raised by his grandma because his mom couldn't stand to look at him.

He only remembers her harsh words about the way he came to be and the fact that his life was a failure from the beginning.

In that short interview much was learned, yet a lifetime of stories remain silent.

A "strong" man who is defensive and reactive, flinching at the benign.

What has he lived through?  Through the exterior, there's so much potential of what could have been.  His life IS precious and a gift.  It's a miracle.  

Threatening words and a phone call, he is dangerous and now the aggressor, but it wasn't always this way.

What if someone had reach out and loved him?  Maybe even now things could change.  He could impact the world in a powerful way for good...

And then there's this small boy, walking to work he cries out as the rain comes down.  "I don't have an umbrella".  Alone on his bike, the water is soaking him.  Where is his Mom?  Back home.  "I don't even have a rain coat" and then he rides off.  What is his home life like?  Oh to reach out and befriend him.  To show him that people care and to help guide him.  How many children are there that need this love?  This support?  This difference that could impact their lives forever.  That grown man...what if he would have been given this chance?  

December 17, 2023

The gift of friendship

It was dark without the illumination of light and no windows in this tiny room where the door only closed if the bed is moved diagonal.  Using the light of the computer, the conversation began.  An elderly, disabled woman without a family except for the gift of a neighbor.  A neighbor who had become like a daughter and her son who called her Grandma.  They found this woman and brought her in...saved her life and as the patient relayed the story with tears in her eyes, it's doubtful this neighbor has any idea the fullness of her actions and care.

Who are you connecting with?  Who in your circle is lonely, alone, sick or needs help?