keys to bring peace

Early in September, I wrote a blog concerning the apparent loss of a great man...  http://journeystone.blogspot.com/2012/09/honor-face-of-old-man.html

Over the next month, I spent early morning and evening hours searching parks, streets, train stations, shelters, and hospitals... any crevice my friend may have fallen. One chilly fall morning, I happened to be driving in West Philadelphia on a Saturday errand to work... when I drove past a very familiar hunched site. I pulled over and approached the figure, with as much safety and caution as excitement allowed. Drawing near, I recognized my old friend.. carrying the same blue, torn backpack and shuffling along in a drab blue suede jacket.

Our greeting was boisterous with no small amount of shock on either side!  While smoking a cigarette, he told me about feeling alone and abandoned...so he left the site in search of new adventures. His stories ranged from living with a greedy sick sister in New York, to traveling by bus to Atlanta and playing the slots.  But today, he walked with boots worn through and little purpose, but no small sense of mischief!  We enjoyed breakfast sandwiches and coffee at an outdoor cafe, with the sun shining in our faces and the world seeming rather right.  Of course, with typical stubbornness, he refused to stay anywhere.. but allowed help with shoes.

About a week later, we met again on a random dark night in center city... where I encountered him just after becoming conscious from a fall.  The black out, one of many recent, terrified him! And, with no hope of persuading me otherwise, he took shelter at a safe haven. Soon he was transferred back to the original site with more guidance and support of willing, loving hands.

Over the months that followed, the social service systems of Philadelphia were diligently traversed by three young women, who sought desperately to connect this man with permanent supportive housing... the only goal he expressed.  Considerable pains were taken to ensure he maintained proper hygiene and health, with incredibly creative help and assistance. Gone were the days of his wandering and drinking, as the black outs and headaches (likely from high blood pressure and impact of environment on the streets) seemed to scare him.  Though he will always remain a stubborn man, the desire to be safe and settled in his own place is commanding.

And now, about half a year later, my friend turns 76 years old.  I will celebrate his birthday with an overabundance of sweets and coffee, made fresh from a Keurig.... hosted by him, in his apartment!  After years on the street and over a year waiting patiently, he was handed keys to an apartment with a five year subsidy. These he lovingly held in hand, gazed at with teary eyes, gently kissed, and placed silently in his pocket.

Welcome Home my friend. Be at peace.