No, I'm not talking about a romantic type of heart-broken-ness.
I was in the office on my own this afternoon when a key worker and his client (I'm sure there's a better word) came in. We got chatting about where he's at. I was surprised at the banter going on and how easy it was. His key worker had a quick chat about him to me. I won't divulge only that he's another youngster in Flax Foyer. For the non-Belfastians reading it's an organisation who support vulnerable young adults. This particular Foyer offers flats for people coming out of care, ex-offenders and self-referrals. We get quite a few referrals from them.
After they left I felt really, really down. I know we are all different people and different things happen along life's path but it really saddens me when a 16 year old (any age really) has lost touch with their family and is left to fend for themselves. I've seen a few over this year and some of them seem so lost.
I realise there are times when it is best to be out of the family situation for their own safety but some of the situations I wonder how it's come to that. I just want to wrap these peeps up and show them the love I was blessed to receive growing up.
Yes, I was spoilt and sheltered growing up and suddenly felt like I had to fend for myself. I was lucky in that I had a supportive brother who refused to give up on me - I can never thank you enough, Chris for the love and support and the friendship that's grown over the years. But what about those who aren't as lucky?
I don't know how I'd have got through the last 10 years without support from Chris and Barb & co and then more recently having my faith.
The amount who need help feels overwhelming at the moment and I wonder if others feel the same. But how many of us try to change things? If we all did something, doesn't have to be a huge enormous thing, a simple thing like getting to know your neighbours, think what a difference that'd make.
Changing community one person at a time.
Time to get on my knees and pray...
