Update on a few guests who have gone to better places

While preparing breakfast today, I mentioned to Kathe,  one of our longstanding volunteers, that a few of our regular guests have gone to better places.   I realized by the shocked look on her face that I'd implied they'd died, so I clarified that four men have moved into more permanent accommodations and haven't been staying at the shelter recently.   One has resided at a bachelor suite in Burnaby for a week or so; another entered detox Saturday, is doing well and has a place in a recovery home reserved for him.   A third man was accepted in a rental unit, based partly on references from shelter staff.  He  moved in a few days ago and he and a fourth regular guest are sharing the apartment.   The fourth had a job interview today and he was decked out in shirt and tie for the occasion.  

I always have hope for our guests, no matter how stuck they may appear or how hopeless they may feel.   And when one person makes a significant change in their life, it not only validates that hope but more importantly it sends a strong message to others in similar situations that change is possible, and that brings them hope.  So, I don't think it was a coincidence that 4 people, all of whom knew each other, made big steps forward in the space of a couple weeks.

These folks moving on with their lives reminds me somewhat of sending one of your kids off to their first day of school.  As parents, we are full of hope and a little trepidation.   The key difference here is not just these men aren't our school-aged children; the key difference is that these men are the ones who have made their own decision that it's time to head off in a new direction.  Like youngsters heading off to school, or life in general, their journeys will involve bumps in the road: a few steps forward, a few back.

I look forward to seeing each of these guys again, and meeting them wherever they are on their journey.    We wish them well.  They deserve the best life has to offer.