Post Script to Sally

Okay, so I’ve calmed down in regard to Sally, but only because of what happened as the day progressed. 

I remained frustrated and upset for her sake that day, but every time she called (and it was often) I managed to calm her down, and patiently give her the list of things to do and of people to talk to.  Of course Sally did things her way like she always does, but somehow I was filled with patience and passed on the calm she needed.  (I claim no credit for this amazing feat!)

She finally got to my list of things and of course most of the public offices were closed that afternoon (it was Friday during budget cuts, after all.)  She let me know she was heading to an agency at the end of that day.  I asked her to have the staff person call me when she was done.

The staff person called me…it was almost time for her to head home.  Sally had been sent to see an apartment.  A landlord had one available and was willing to show it.  It seemed to be in Sally’s price range, and the agency could help with the first month’s rent.  (Sally’s money for the month was already gone.)  She also had a $25 Goodwill voucher if she needed anything.

Then Sally called me again.  She was frantic: what should she do?  She said I needed to tell her what to do.  I don’t tell people how to live their lives, but advise them on their choices and let them decide.  That’s all I can do.  I told her I’d call the landlord (who I’d talked with in the past.) 

The landlord had a small one bedroom, adequately furnished, available immediately.  It was upstairs which isn’t the easiest for Sally, though the stairs might be healthy for her.  Because we found out that day that Sally couldn’t get electric power due to a past bill, the landlord said she’d keep it in her name for an extra $25 a month until Sally could pay off her debt.  She would take the security deposit over time, as much as Sally could afford, until that obligation was met.  And she could move in that night.

Of course Sally took it.  No lease, no strings other than to get a payee.  This was such a generous offer.  So Sally had housing after four months.  No need to sleep in a shelter, her car, or even a motel room which was my last option.  She was safe and warm in a furnished apartment.  But that’s not the end of the story.

Monday came, and Sally did all the things I’d asked her to do on Friday. I found out about another debt she has – from what I call rip-off loan joints.  She will also go with me to work out her electric bill.  But then she apologized for her behavior.  Later in the day when I spoke with the agency that helped her Friday, I found out she went in and apologized to that person as well.  Something happened to Sally.  Everyone will have their opinion…having basic needs met gives us clearer thinking…God performed a miracle in her…none of us knows precisely what goes on in our heads and hearts.  I did found out that Sally spent some time with a friend (another client of ours who’d been near homeless last month) and this friend spent time praying with Sally and encouraging her over the weekend.  This I do know…when we love people…when we allow God to touch people through us… anything can happen.