Sometimes, as I endeavor to be an encouraging presence in someone else’s life, it backfires…instead of being a blessing, I walk away as the one blessed.
I went to see Linda at the John Howard Society a couple of weeks back…we both have common interests in working constructively with men who get themselves into trouble. She works with male offenders…guys who need help negotiating the legal system, who are fresh out of prison and need some support to get a fresh start, and generally working with those involved in the legal system. It’s intense work, and I’m guessing there are days when it can feel like 2 steps forward and 3 steps back.
She is a lady who cares deeply and compassionately and courageously…the type of woman who can give a new pair of boots to a guy who needs them desperately…and can enjoy watching his pleasure at receiving them. And then she says, “Those are for your feet, and I better see them on your feet the next time I see you. And don’t you dare sell them for drugs”. And he promises her they will keep them…knowing she cares…and she’s serious that she’ll be on him if they go missing. She loves these guys, and says because her children are grown up and moved out, they are the reason she gets up in the morning, the reason she can’t ever imagine retiring. She’s great.
Linda and I had this great conversation about what she has learned, and what she knows, and what makes a difference in people’s lives. We work in similar areas and enjoyed comparing notes. As a strong and wise Aboriginal woman, she and I spoke about how I, as a Caucasian, can work effectively with clients who are Aboriginal. My race has played a huge part in the situations that many Aboriginals find themselves in…as a systems therapist, I recognize that there is a complex interplay of cause and effect that goes back generations. When clients who are Aboriginal come see us for anger management, it is important to recognize some of those complex dynamics, and not have it impact negatively with effective and respectful work. She has the 7 Sacred Teachings stenciled on her wall, and spoke about how she uses them in her work with her clients. I could go on about the visit and how inspiring it was.
We had a great discussion. Linda is a wealth of knowledge, is a tell-it-like-it-is kind of woman, and she has a great laugh that is often heard.
One of the things she suggested to me, as a way to be respectful of our Aboriginal clients and the Aboriginal culture, was to have some respected Aboriginal art in our office. She gave me a few suggestions…she knowing better than I about the artists and their work.
We hugged and wished each other the best of the season, and we left…each proclaiming gratitude for the visit to the other.
I got a package in the mail yesterday. About an inch thick, and about 2 feet by 2 feet. I had a funny feeling about it and I was right. It was a picture from one of the artists Linda had recommended. She sent me a framed picture!!
The visit itself blew my socks off. Its rare to see someone who has been in the “helping business” for as long as Linda has to have the energy and optimism and sense of fun that she has. …and then she sent me a picture, with a lovely card.
Over. the. top. Blessed. Incredibly.
Thanx for what you have taught me, for how we work together to help male offenders in the justice system find solutions and better strategies for living. Thanx for the picture. Thanx for what I have learned from you.
Thanx Linda, for you!
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