I am writing this on Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving. In today’s Citizen Times, there was an article about the day complete with a picture of a sprawling line
at Toys “R” Us on Brevard Road, which wrapped
all the way to the rear of the store Thursday night in anticipation of the
store’s 8 p.m. opening.
As I looked at the picture, I couldn’t help thinking about my
activity on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
I helped Donnie who had shivered in a sleeping bag outside in West
Asheville trying to stay warm the night before, move into his own
apartment. Well, I didn’t carry any
boxes or furniture because I’m trying not to use my injured hand but I did
bring him a “Happy Thanksgiving” balloon.
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| Donnie and Tamara |
As I looked at the boxes strewn across his living room floor I said, “Gee, don’t you hate moving? Going through all these boxes is a real pain!” He gave me an incredulous look. “I don’t hate it at all! I’m thankful for a warm bed to sleep in tonight.” I felt a little embarrassed because aspects of my own comfortable life had shown through.
Mark Siler (member of
Circle of Mercy) and Marvin Schrock (member of Swannanoa Valley Friends
Meeting) moved the bed up the stairs and into the bedroom. GCPC member Debbie Lee had donated it and she
helped Donny put the sheets and blankets on it. We laughed at how the sheets and blanket clashed and figured
Martha Stewart would not be contacting us soon to put this picture in her
magazine!
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| Debbie and Donnie |
We only had a blanket donated and Donnie wants to save money
on heat so GCPC members Linda Verpereny and Glen Shults had a neighbor who gave Donnie a comforter.
I haven’t seen his apartment all arranged yet, but I did see wonderful items that will help make his new home
comfortable. GCPC member Susie Daw even
donated a beautiful desk that Donnie put in his bedroom and it looks great!
So on this Black Friday, I give thanks that Donnie has come
into our lives. He has much to teach us.
What better way to spend the Thanksgiving holiday - far better than shopping in crowded stores! Blessings to Donnie and to all the Hope to Home folks who help the homeless transition to living in a home. And stick with them for at least a year in order to support them. They do FAR MORE than just on moving day!
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