Second Thursday

Another month passes, another second Thursday comes knocking. We took the residents of the homeless shelter pizza donated generously by local pizza shops. Several ladies from the church made CAKES and cookies, some brought chips and pop.

As the visit went on I wondered to myself why am I here? What's going to happen to make me feel like I made a difference? Yeah, I know that it's not always evident the affect I can have on people but I just had a feeling in my heart that I needed to hang tight a little while longer.

All the people from my church had already said their goodbyes and as I was finishing the little things I do prior to leaving a young fella walked in. I eavesdropped just enough to find out that someone had stolen his debit card and driver's license. I started asking Patrick a few questions and before long he was giving his full attention to me.

He said that he had spoke with a local cop and a county deputy and he attempted to put a freeze on his debit card. No resolve was reached with either part of his problem. I found out the an ex- girlfriend had the goods. I called his bank and after many questions/answers we got a freeze put on his account so she couldn't tap into the direct deposit that would be made at midnight from his workplace.

Then I called the sheriff's department and decided to ask for the sheriff by using his first name. As it turned out Walt was gone for the day but I made progress! The department sent a deputy to the shelter to talk with Patrick. I guess I became Patrick's advocate in a sense because he wanted me to help. He seemed to have a difficult time getting his thoughts across and was so soft spoken. I felt as though I was his voice. And I wasn't going to be silent until I accomplished what I set out to do.



The deputy spoke with us for a short while and when I knew Patrick was getting frustrated and I felt the deputy had all the information that he needed I simply said, "I think she needs a visitor." The deputy started his car and said, "Patrick, stay here. I'll be calling you."

Within 15 minutes the sheriff's department called the shelter and the deputy was at the house of the ex-girlfriend. Patrick found himself as ride and hopefully as I'm typing this Patrick has his debit card and driver's license.

I persevered. I didn't give up. I cared and came through for Patrick. I feel good.

Well crap-the ex handed over a box of stuff sans the debit card and the license. At least she can't access his account since I froze it. I just hope that Patrick realizes that there are good people out there. I hope he can pay it forward...someday.


Hugs, Happiness and Harmony!
Julie