Dream a Reality

There are many things in life we have no real opinion about. And while it is important to possess convictions and opinions, I don't fault people for quibbling over trivial things in life such as which pair of Christmas socks should be accessorized with what Christmas sweater for the office party.

But there are also things in our life that elicit passionate debate and responses. Cats or Griz, Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber? Or today's topic... Christmas carols. We love them or loathe them. We either jingle all the way home or we grab the reigns of that sleigh and hit Grandma going 90 miles an hour. I am in the former camp and if it means I need to turn in my "man card" so be it. I'm a sucker for Perry and Bing and Patsy.

Recently, I was listening to one of the many renditions of "I'll be Home for Christmas" and was struck by a particular lyric that I knew well but never took the time to really think about. Its the one that says," I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams." While I have heard and even uttered this line (poorly, mind you) hundreds of times, the sadness and gravity of the situation had never dawned on me. This individual desired and longed for all the trappings and amenities of Christmas, but was never going to get back to their home. They were faced with carrying Christmas with them, internally, and had to rely on memories of past holidays to carry them through.

This describes so many of our residents. We spend our time with some of the most incredible people you could meet. Families, children, veterans... Each person with a story but more importantly, each person with a past. With memories. They can recall the smell of eggnog and holly. If they close their eyes long enough, they feel the heat from the fireplace and hear the tearing of wrapping paper. But now, as homeless people, they mostly rely on their dreams. The only way they can go home for Christmas is literally in their dreams.

We do our best to provide our residents with food, shelter, and dignity. One way this happens is by giving them presents on Christmas. We rely on the kindness and generosity of our friends in the community to help us fulfill this goal. If you find yourself wanting to help, please consider the items listed in the previous blog. Or, be creative and give something spawned from the creative recesses of your own kindness. It is Samaritan House's hope that we can provide new dreams for our residents. Thanks for your time.