Being a Hero

I often say that one of the things I love about the PARC is that when people come here they can be who they truly are. We get to see the inside and not just their appearance or actions. It is our honor and privilege to experience that. I have been able to know and experience some of the most, kind, good and generous people I have ever known; people I would not know if it wasn't for the PARC.

Billy is a tall, skinny man who talks loud and talks a lot. I think if you were to ask us to describe him we would say that he is just kind of 'goofy'. He is nice enough, but we struggle with having him do what is expected. He always has some 'excuse' for not participating or doing what we ask.

Hannah's head is shaved and is most often wearing over-sized sweat pants and shirt. She has only been here a few days, but she has been soft spoken and somewhat closed off when trying to talk to her. Yesterday Hannah had a seizure. As I went over to check on her, Billy was kneeling beside her with her head cradled in his arm making sure she stayed on her side. When she began to violently seize he held her so that she would not harm herself. He did this for almost 20 minutes as she seized multiple times while we waited for the ambulance to arrive. I also watched Terry, who is on our staff stay near and assist Billy when help was needed as we switched back and forth with one another while talking to 911. 

Hannah returned from the hospital that day. When she walked in I greeted her and asked how she was. As we talked I reached around to give her a hug. She just laid her head on my shoulder. We stood that way for quite a while. That girl needed a hug. 

What happens at the PARC? People can become heroes. This tall, goofy guy stepped in to help and he shined. He was a true hero. I also saw our staff care, nurture and love someone that was scared, hurting and really needed a hug. She needed reassurance, love and acceptance and we were able to share that with her. What happens at the PARC? True heroes come forth and God's love is displayed in the simplest and most remarkable ways.