Lynn

One objective of starting Together We Inspire was to post stories of people who have made an impact on our lives, or have left such an impression, that we are compelled to share.  Although I've been blessed to have a long list of those who have positively impacted me in some way, it was a most recent exchange that I find myself blogging about today.

As so often occurs in our alley-way, behind our midtown office, drifters and those who would be considered homeless find their way to our parking lot and back-building space.  It is known as a coveted piece of property due to its location and sparse protection from the elements for overnight stays.  As business owners, we have found it difficult over the years balancing the empathy we feel for the unfortunate in this position with the concern for the safety and care of our employees, clients and property.  Most people we have encountered are there for a night or two and then move on, leaving various items and remnants behind.

A broom is what was left behind by Lynn.  I know her name after our late evening talk on a cold, clear night.  She was wrapped in layers of worn blankets and weathered coats.  I had just brought her an offering of herbal tea and three shortbread cookies from our holiday tin.  We were experiencing freezing temperatures in fact, and I couldn't imagine as I gathered my laptop and handbag to head home, the exercise of bedding down for the night on a cement slab surrounded by every belonging I owned. But there she was, thanking me profusely for the warm beverage and apologizing for the inconvenience she may have caused over the last two weeks of her stay.

I don't know for certain what drew me to her that night, but the thought of being a woman, alone on the streets, at night, motivated me to know more.  From our brief conversation, I learned she was fifty-five years old, had lost her husband a few years prior, and had heart issues of her own.  And, although she received social security checks, she had been evicted from her rental recently due to a few mistakes on her part and coming up financially short each month.  She was honest, matter-of-fact, and reminded me bluntly how fragile things can be.

Lynn also shared that she had owned her own business at one time, has four grandchildren, and was overwhelmingly grateful for all we had done, which was nothing more than letting her stay at night and providing hot coffees and a resource list.

Since that night, I have yet to see Lynn again.  All that remains is a lonely broom, one that she used each evening to clear away the leaves and debris to make her bed, and to sweep away any evidence of her being there each morning.  I'm hopeful she found a warm place to stay, that her pending application for housing was approved, and that she reunited with friends and family.

Her determination, strength and resolve was nothing short of inspiring, but it was her graciousness and thankfulness under the most dire of circumstances that will stay with me.  For so many times we find ourselves in situations or life events that can be overwhelming or disheartening, but Lynn and all that she represented can serve as a dose of encouragement and grace we all need to keep on hand and move on.