As the days near, I am getting more and more excited to be back out there and creating connections in my community. The energy of service has already begun to present itself in my space, and I remember just how much my heart aches for those moments. I was on my way to work a couple of days ago, getting gas when a young man came up to me and asked if I would buy him something to eat inside. We went in the store and on our way in he asked me “Does my face look bad?” and I saw that he had a split lip, and dried blood around his nose, and multiple cuts on his face. He shared with me that someone had hurt him, and that it had been like that for a week and a half. I asked him if after he got something to eat, if he would let me assist him in getting cleaned up a little bit, and he agreed. I got some napkins and some water and did what I could with what we had, to at least get him feeling a little more comfortable. His name is Stacey, he is just around my age, around 25 years old. He shared with me some of the things he has been through, how he ended up in Utah, why he started using drugs, and something that stood out to me is when I asked him if he knew of a few resources that could get him case management, treatment, etc… He said “I know about getting clean and all of that, I’m just not ready” and the only words I could come up with were “That’s okay”. I continued to help him get cleaned up, and we parted ways in gratitude. I have learned something very important over these last few years, mostly once I started working in a harm reduction/housing first program that specifically offers services to those who have either faced homelessness, or are very close to, due to substance abuse and mental illness. I have learned that it’s not about fixing people, giving them a house, giving them the opportunity to do treatment and turn their life around in that way. It’s not about forcing abstinence and societal standards upon people. It’s about meeting these people where they are at, and offering them moments of safety, connection, and unconditional love. I know that Stacey walked away with something to eat, and he walked away knowing that he is loved, and with the experience of a safe space, even just for 10 minutes to connect and be taken care of by another human being. There was a moment with Stacey, when I was holding the side of his face with one hand, and wiping away the dirt and blood with the other, and the word “intimacy” came to me. In that moment, he looked at ease, there was a moment of peace, there was oneness between us. The word intimacy, meaning “Into me, you see”, a moment of emotional closeness and comfort. I will forever hold this interaction very close to my heart, it is moments like those that truly embody what I intend to create through Moment To Moment.
I have already started to gather more people to assist and support me in not only my coat drive in Salt Lake City, but another one I will be hosting in Ogden as well shortly after. I am so excited to see where this goes, and to make even more connections along the way. If you would like to find out more ways to be involved, I am available here:
Email: springalingwaters@gmail.com
IG: I.am.moment.2.moment
Enjoy this photo from Valentine’s day in Portland, 2020. Forever one of my favorite moments captured.
My heart to yours.
*Disclaimer* I always encourage wisdom and safety when being of service out in your community, gloves were used when helping Stacey with his wounds, and I felt comfortable helping a stranger due to it being broad daylight outside in a public setting where there were plenty people around in case something was out of alignment. Please be safe and use wisdom as well if you choose to be of service to a vulnerable population!
Your writing is both eloquent and relatable.