When They Come Back

I love it when they come back. I truly do. Some come back to share their successes. Last week one of our members from 6 years ago walked through our door. His name is Billy, and I remember him well. When he was coming to the PARC he was staying at Salvation Army. He had long dark hair and was very shy. He never talked much, but the thing that brought him 'out of his shell' was the art. He told me that he never knew that he could paint before he came to the PARC. He found value, recognition and the confidence to go for it. To try to get his life together and make something of it. And he did!

Billy went back to Alabama to be with his family. He got his CDL and started working. When Billy came to see us, he was driving a tractor trailer rig. And it was HIS!!!! He owned it! Not only did he own it, he owns 2 others. Billy has 3 trucks and hires 2 other drivers. Wow!! He is still shy, and every piece of information that I got from him I had to 'drag' out. But he hugged me and he was so very proud. He came back because of the relationships he formed while here. He came back to share with us and to show us how far he had come since he left 6 years ago. I am so, so proud of him.

There are also those who come back that just got out of prison or jail. That makes my heart happy, too. It makes my heart happy because this is where they choose to come to make a fresh start.  They come here because of the relationships. They come here because they know that here they will find acceptance and the confidence and encouragement to try again. I hear over and over, "This is the first place I came. I don't want to go back. I want to get it right this time." This is where they come. 

One of the things that makes my heart swell with joy is when they come back to donate! Some of our members have come back to bring water, soft drinks, and hygiene products. Others have come back to donate financially. They received from the PARC. Now, they want to give back to the PARC. We take the journey with them. Through their successes. Through their defeats and trials.  We will be here to walk with them.