Look around - Our Father, God has provided so many resources for us. Some come in the most unexpected manner. My story has a familiar sequence similar to the Best Christmas gift I received as a young child.
When I was 10 years old on Christmas morning I woke up to find a rather large brown card board box (the kind used for refrigerators) next to the tree. On top was written, Merry Christmas Susan. It didn't look appealing but I was very curious so I opened the box to find towels and rags. Well - What was Santa trying to tell me? This was my Bag of Coal!
As Christmas morning progressed, my family sat together opening all kinds of wonderful gifts. If I remember correctly, David received his request for a unicycle and Ted received his 10-speed bike - I had a card board box with rags. To make matters worse, Dad announced that we had to put our dogs, Peanuts and Snoopy, outside in the cold. You can guess what I said if you weren't there...
Similarly, one week ago I was on my way to pick up Sierra who was at Tiffaney and Justin's when I passed Fillipe, a man who held a sign, "Need Work." Tiffaney had kept Sierra since I cleaned up the patio and it was impossible for me to walk her in the 100 degree temperatures. As I drove on toward Tiffaney's home I kept thinking about the man with the sign. I prayed for wisdom and felt comfortable - if the man was still on the corner I should stop and talk to him.
Well, he was still there on the street trying to capture the smallest bit of shade. He told me that he would do any work. In the past he had worked cleaning and bussing tables. I asked if he was interested in helping me complete a move... Over the next 3 nights, Phillip slept on the floor all alone in our old apartment. I began to learn a lot about him as we traveled together while moving boxes from the apartment to the condo.
Phillip had been on the street for the past 3 days and boldly stated that sleeping on the floor was much better than rocks. It was apparent as he spoke with me that he had a developmental disability. His 60-year-old father, who he had most recently lived with was described as an angry man who yelled a lot, one of the dogs barked a lot, and he was uncomfortable with his dad's girlfriend. His Dad pushed out the front door with no keys, no clothes, and no ID. He did not want to go back -
Phillip was raised by his grandmother who passed away in 1996, he lived with aunts and cousins, and then found room and board while working for a restaurant since 2006. He had excellent memory of dates but communicated in a child-like fashion. Based upon his information, I was able to determine that Phillip is in his 40's. Phillip required some guidance and restating of specific details. He worked well with Mario, my son. Together we moved and Phillip worked without complaint.
Phillip, similar to my Christmas gift, was no Bag of Coal. He was cooperative and extremely helpful. I could not say 'thank you' enough. He really blessed my life similar to my Christmas gift - a small homeless kitten.
I do not advocate for picking up strangers from the street. I would not have considered doing so without my ferocious dog Sierra and having inner peace. God brought Fillipe into my life and I am a better person in a better curcumstance because of him. I hope he can say the same of me.
This year I am celebrating Christmas with mom, dad, my brother David and his family, Mario Anthony, Amber and her family.
