He stood trembling, eyes darting, his hands fidgeted, and the wheels that whirled within seemed to squeal "Man, get...me...outta here. Come on. Please ...just...help. Man... Can I go yet?"
The doorway to Canadian Tire, standing with can in hand, is simply no place for a boy of 20.
People walked by suddenly fascinated with their shoes. He whispered requests for help but the mere sight of him, even at a distance, had folks looking for another way in. Forced to enter here, they turned to the only protection they know, indifference.
"Maybe, just maybe if I don't look at him somehow perhaps he'll disappear. Or at least I won't have to deal with him, with IT."
But not our son of 5. He sees everybody, especially those who tug at some innate, innocent call within him to love, those he can just tell NEED love.
"Dad, can I have a dollar?" Liam asks.
Shiney-bit in hand, off he treks and stops right in front of the boy, the can chin level, and then glances up and into the his dirt and tear stained face.
"Here you go!" he says with a smile bright and wide, you know the kind that warms any heart. And the coin drops with a clink.
Silence for a moment, as the young man sifts through the fog of thoughts that threaten to bury him. He comes to and sees Liam, hears him, smiles and says "Thanks little man. Thanks."
There they stand, and it may be the sun that lights the day but hope has also founds its way to here.
.......
As my husband recounts this story I stand by the kitchen sink. The tears rise in my throat and sting my eyes. I turn and wonder aloud, "Where is his mom? What happened to him?"
I feel the pain of it all rush over me and I ache with the idea that there is little I can do to change the path of life for this boy. But I look to Liam and I hope, I pray, that his kindness perhaps gave this boy a knowing that people do care, they will stop and see the reality of what he faces, and not shy away from the role they can play for change.
For me, I write and speak on many topics that inspire and empower people to live their YES! Life... But for 1 in 5 Canadians facing metal illness, 'Yes' simply means getting out of bed, finding their feet to stand and a person who will reach out a hand, a lifeline really, to steady them along the way.
Will you see the suffering around you and not shy away? Will you find a way to steady a person, find their eyes and give what you can to show them there is hope and light even though right now they may feel consumed by the dark?
You can give a little or a lot, but together even just talking, writing, reading, learning how to see the need for love, listening with our innately-wise, child-like heart is a start.
For those who want to learn more...Canadian Mental Health Fast Facts.
For those looking for a hand and heart to steady them along the way Lee Horbachewski & Simplee Serene.
From here you will surely find your way through and up and have opportunity to discover new and remarkable ways to offer hope to those who need you to see.
Thank you.
Jennifer
