Although I am retired, I work full-time for Compass Health. This is a community-based mental health agency which serves Snohomish, Skagit and Island Counties. I am a courier; I pick up and deliver client files and medications, inter-office mail and some U.S. mail. My route is fairly regular and I really enjoy the peaceful driving, about 225 miles daily.
Often I meet some of the clients that are utilizing the services of Compass Health. Depending on the services provided by a particular clinic, I may meet a drug addict, someone who is suffering from a mild depression, a schizophrenic who speaks to people who are not there or perhaps a person suffering bi-polar disease and simply cannot hold a job.
Most of these people need money, many need a place to live and they all need a smiling face. That is what I try to provide. I can tell that many of them are used to being treated like they are less than human. I don't do anything more than say "Hello" or "How's it goin'". But I always wait to hear their response. And they usually have one, too!
During my first day of training for the job (three years ago)I was introduced to Darrel. He works part-time at one of the larger facilities, where he is also a client. He is usually unkempt, with a few days growth of beard. He was friendly, though and quite talkative. I liked him.
About a week after I started driving the route alone, Darrel met me at the door and greeted me, "Pat Castro, how you doing?" We talked for maybe a minute or so and then I went about my business. As I drove away, I noticed that I felt different than when I arrived. It was Darrel! He changed my mood. I felt lighter, happier!
Over the next months, he told me that he was married. His wife is mentally ill, too. She must stay on her medication or very traumatic things begin to happen. Occasionally, she stops taking her meds. The first time, Darrel told me she had been gone for a month and he had no idea where she was! After another month he told me that she had finally called and she was in an institution. She had been found wandering and she was a mess. Each time Darrel told me about her, he would quote scripture. This man who looks like a bum, knows the Bible and has a personal faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ. He asked me to pray for Frannie,his wife. I said I would and he went off about his business.
She eventually came home and is doing fine now. I mean, she is taking her meds and is pretty stable. Darrel is a bit of a rascal and he is sometimes vulgar and uses a lot of profanity, though he never takes the Lord's name in vain.
My purpose in writing this is to try to understand why I love this guy so much. He is usually dirty, hair is gross-looking, he is constantly smoking and his favorite word is 'f_ _ _'. One day he had forgotten where he left his false teeth so he was toothless that day!!! But you know what, he is a wonderful, loving and caring man. He works at a job, he drives a car, he takes care of his wife (who is African-American. Darrel is white) and keeps an eye out for his mentally ill friends. What more is there in life than to work at a job, care for those you are close to and thank God for what you have?
I have learned a great deal from Darrel. My education is a very important part of my life and I spent my entire adult life trying to help others become life-long learners. But I have a deep and abiding respect and love for this mentally ill man, who has very little formal education and for whom life is exceedingly difficult. He trusts in God, believing He has a plan for him and knows the love of Jesus. What did I ever do to deserve a friendship with such a fine human being?? I can only assume that this has come by the "Grace of God Almighty".
The next time you see a bum, a hobo, a retard, a drunk, a homeless person, or a bag-lady, please think of my friend, Darrel. Those people are exactly that, they are people; like you and me. They have a story, they have a family, they have needs and dreams and all the same hopes as you and I. Pray for them. Just care.
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