What he does.

I haven't written much on the blog about Joel's work, which is silly because he worked so hard to become a PA, is passionate about what he does, and it is a big part of his life, which means ours as well.

He is a Physician Assistant at a homeless clinic, and now he is primarily on a mobile outreach team that goes out on the streets to try to reach those homeless folks who aren't plugged into the clinic and other resources, for a multitude of reasons. He loves being out of the clinic and on the streets. I'm so proud of the work he does. Not just because he is loving on the (seemingly) unlovable- picking lice off of their bodies, dressing their wounds, driving them to detox again and again, etc.- but that he does it with true compassion and love.

I was reminded of this when we were in Texas and he got a call to say one of his patients had died. It really grieved him. This particular patient had become very special to him and was doing so well. He had gotten housing and was so proud of his apartment. Joel said it was SO tidy and the few things he had were kept with great care. He was sober, and though he had many physical ailments, was doing better than he had been in years. Anyway, I know it broke Joel's heart that Jeffrey didn't get to experience this pride and dignity he had so recently regained longer than he did, but how wonderful that at least he did experience these things in his last months before his life unexpectedly ended.

This article is a story about their work and has pictures of Joel and Jeffrey(look on the left hand side of the page), which are hard for him to see right now, but I know he will treasure in time to come. To remind him that it is worth it, what he does. Loving and caring for people right where they are and hoping to empower them to move beyond that place.

All for now,

Jen

P.S. A little way the kids and I have found to help is by making gallon size zip lock bags full of things like Energy bars, ramen noodles, travel size toiletries, warm hats and socks, and a card with phone numbers for homeless resources agencies. We keep them in the car and hand them out to pan handlers. The kids loved making them and Sam loves being the designated hander outer with a big smile. We have had very positive responses, though I know we won't always, and that's ok. It's a great project to do as a group (our mom's group did this and collected lots of things to put in bags) or just with your little ones ,or by yourself, of course:)