In a community where the homeless are “hidden” and “invisible”, you don’t know they exist.
But they do – exist, that is.
Barely
Like him, one who works every day. He had a home. He had a car. Lost them both at the same time and it isn’t easy replacing them.
Like her, she has a family but times are hard and they can’t help. Soon, they will be joining her in the ranks of the homeless. She wants to do more but near to 70 years jobs don’t come easy.
Whether we see them or not, they are here and there.
In the city
and
in the suburbs.
They would like a home. They would like a job.
What they are grateful for most is to be seen and acknowledged. Not for what they lack but for who they are beside their circumstances.
Men and women and children with hearts, souls, lives, experiences and stories much like you and me.
We all have stories.
And for a week, I was able to sit and listen to them and their stories.
Around a table we gathered with food and laughter. Awkward at first but by the week’s end we were family.
I miss them.
And when I see them, I let them know they are missed.
But most of all, I let them know they are seen and loved
by me
more importantly, by God.
© A Sacred Longing 2009-2011
