This Week God Brought Us... Melanie

This week God brought us…”Melanie”, who attended the memorial service we held at one of our downtown housing units. We hold these services periodically to remember and celebrate our residents who have died, considering that for many of them, this will be the only memorial they might have. Melanie was there because her son, “Sam”, was one of those we were to remember by name. Sam had been one of our residents and just recently passed away from a combination of health issues, only in his 40s. Melanie thanked us for holding the memorial service, a combination of Catholic prayer and contemporary music with an opportunity for people to share memories of those who had died. Melanie spoke honestly about the journey of her son’s life. “I had him young” she shared and fought to keep him when those around her suggested adoption. He left her house in his teen years and struggled with persistent mental health diagnoses throughout his life. Melanie went on to earn a Master’s degree and retired from a career in education. She described walking alongside her son through the ups and downs of his life, including making sure his rent was paid in our housing to provide basic stability.  Melanie was there to give thanks for her son’s life and she reminded us that all of our tenants and clients come from families. They carry stories we should honor.