Homeless

TJ started volunteering at our local PADS shelter last week

to fulfill community service hours in order to make his

 Confirmation.  He really enjoyed it, so this week Callahan

and myself decided to join him. We set up cots and put on the

bed linens, set up table and chairs and served food.

Within the first half I had to fight back tears, tears of pride.

To see TJ, Cal and a couple other kids just jump into action was

amazing. When the people showed up, I wasn't fully

prepared. I often talk about my "bubble" that I live in.

"All that other stuff", well thats not part of my bubble.

There were families just down on their luck, there were what

I assumed to be the "addiction crowd" and what

appeared to be  people with some mental issues. One

thing I do know is there were a lot of people. Here

was a place in the middle of my bubble that fed, clothed,

provided hot showers, medical care and a bed to people without.

It was a powerful experience for all of us. It was a great

learning experience for the kids. They realize that it can

happen to anyone, our ride home was filled with all

kinds of questions. Living in Lombard, there is not

a whole lot of diversity, economically or socially. It's

very easy to get wrapped up in my world. This was

a great experience and my "bucket" was overflowing.