As always in life, it’s surprisingly small things that make a big difference. Here are several stories from recent mornings at Patchwork that illustrate this:
Gail found me in the main office and said one man was having back spasms and he had asked if we had any ibuprofen. It was a simple request, and we got him some. Later that morning as he was headed out for the rest of his day, he popped his head into the main office and said, “You saved my life! Two ibuprofens and a hot shower took my back from an 8 to a 3!” He told me he is plagued by significant back pain that limits what he is able to do, but after the morning at Patchwork he was feeling good.
From Shawn: One of our friends, who suffers from sometimes debilitating mental illness, stopped in the office the other day to share with me that the night before he had been suicidal. He recognized the state he was in and was able to ask for the help he needed. They got his meds worked out and he was feeling much better. I gave him a hug and told him how happy I was that he recognized how he was feeling and was smart enough to ask for help. He said he loved coming to Patchwork because he knew that people really cared about him, and he was thankful for John because he had helped him with some medical issues the week before. These types of interactions happen often, with different people, for differing reasons and that is a piece of what we do here at Patchwork. It’s not just about the services, it’s about being a welcoming refuge from a sometimes-callous world. Our connections and our interactions bring comfort and hope to all of us in return.
One morning, Katie got everyone’s attention in the main room, saying, “Everybody, we’re going to sing Happy Birthday to Carol!” Carol is one of our morning regulars. The whole room broke out in song. Carol was surprised and beaming to have a group recognizing her special day.
Arthur, one of our regulars poked his head into the main office to say goodbye on his way out after a morning of chatting and coffee drinking. “You never know who you’ll meet at this place!” he exclaimed. Honestly, neither Shawn nor I had any idea which person might have led him to make this comment because you really never do know who you’ll meet in a morning at Patchwork. Arthur clarified that this time around he meant “the guy playing piano,” which was Bill Hemminger who the group had convinced to play. “He’s really good. And I’ve seen him on WNIN talking about his garden,” Arthur commented. “Eighty-eight keys, that’s a little too much for me!” Another day, and the piano player might have been T, another of our regular guests.
From a Facebook review of Patchwork left by Britt: Volunteers n Selfless Folk are to me Evansville’s best kept Secret. Serving our community n caring for others. Giving of their personal time to assist maybe less fortunate or just people in general. Amazing n Beautiful in and of itself. I’m 54 tomorrow if I make it thru tonight n the best Bday gift I got in advance is the fact that Mr Pete, who has helped me multiple times in our dealings, took care of my back tire this morning, as I been outta commission for over a week—fixed for me. You might laugh, but in my old age I’m like a little kid in a candy store cuz I’m mobile again, Reason being Cause of Him n I hate walking. I really don’t have much to offer, but I’m truly Grateful to utmost n value n appreciate not only Him but all the Special Ladies in the kitchen that greet us daily with smiles, Staffers, My Friend who I can talk Basketball with, n just all involved. Your kindness n courtesy n generosity is witnessed all week by us-Thank You Much.
David chatted with Shawn as she was calling to get him a referral for our food pantry. He and Mikey commented about the “Psychiatric Help 5 Cents” sign on Shawn’s desk. Shawn told David that she’s been sitting at that desk offering “Psychiatric Help” for 15 years. After Mikey left, David looked at Shawn and recognized her commitment and caring by saying that 15 years of being there to listen to people’s troubles and challenges would really add up. He told her that he hopes she takes care of herself and that when she goes home she probably makes a point of not thinking about Patchwork.