We hadn’t seen him since he was a kid in the Arts & Smarts Program decades ago. But here he was in Patchwork’s main room, drinking coffee and deciding whether to take a shower.
Shawn recognized him right away and said hello. Then she texted Jane to let her know that she should stop by if she was able. Jane was, in fact, able to come.
Jane spent time visiting with the man. She found a couple photos of him and his siblings that have been hanging by her desk for years. I found a book written by long ago Arts & Smarts participants including his siblings.
As he flipped through the book, looking at the silly stories and drawings, a genuine grin formed on his face. With it came shades of that child’s face from long ago. In that moment, I could see the hope, joy, delight, and mischievousness of a child laughing and being goofy while sharing stories with his friends and family here at Patchwork.
Jane offered the photos to him. I offered to make a copy of the book for him to take. He thought for a moment and decided that the way he’s living right now does not lend itself to keeping any photo or book in good condition.
He told Jane and I that the items are safer here with us, but that maybe sometime in the future when things are better in his life, he’ll come back for them. Till then, he’ll be glad to know we’re keeping these items safe.
It is moments like this that make Patchwork special. The consistency and longevity of our caring is unique. Here, a child can grow into an adult and know that there is still a place where there are people they know who still care about them. Here, for a moment a grown-up child can go back to a world that is less complicated than the one they’re living in today. Here, those happy memories are safe.