We're not short on moving, important, wonderful people stories around here.
A bit of background on just one story.
We make a habit of attempting to employee the people who come to us seeking assistance with various challenges, almost all associated with poverty.
Last year we hired a woman who, when she came to us, had been homeless for several months. She was alone. She had been employed as a reporter for a local trade publication and had been laid off in the financial downturn. Her health was not the best. She was emotionally spent, basically at the end of her rope.
She did have the good fortune to work into a sleeping cubicle at The Bridge, Dallas' homeless assistance center. After meeting her, she began to volunteer and eventually we hired her. She has found her place among us and is a very productive member of our team.
At our annual Christmas party last week she approached me with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes.
"Larry, do you know where I will be this Saturday?" she asked.
"No, where?" I replied.
"Watching my daughter walk across the stage as she graduates from college!" she beamed.
She thanked me for the opportunity to work again. I tried to push the thanks back to her, telling her that she had earned everything on her own.
"No, that's not true. Thanks for the new start," she said softly. "Thanks for the new start. My daughter is going to be great!"
Stories. . .about people, amazing, miraculous people.
They keep me going.
2 comments:
Larry, I know that you care deeply about public policy, but when I read stories like this I forget that you are a liberal democrat :). I sometimes wish you had two different blogs. One for the stories and one for the policy and politics. I really appreciate what you and CitySquare do for your community. You have inspired me to do more where I live. I pray that you and your family will have a safe and blessed Christmas season.
I am personally thankful that you cannot separate the two.
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