‘Twas two weeks past New Year’s and all through the street was a layer of snow mixed with some sleet.
I had a trunk-load of blankets, a sleeping bag and a bunch of warm clothes in my car. The front seat was pretty much filled with items for the homeless as well, and it was definitely time to deliver them to Shepherd’s Office.
Having established Facebook friendships with Jimmy Martin, Eric Bodenweiser and Cathy Martin, I knew the situation there was critical; that the tent dwellers were in real need.
My snow tires had recently been replaced with regular ones, but I had a vision of Cathy in her head scarf and Jim and Eric in their night caps as well, waiting for Santa’s sleigh … or maybe my car. So I embarked on a journey tainted by snow.
The plows were not plowing, school was closed, but I decided to give the trip a whirl.
Sliding down my steps, de-icing the car and seeing little through the still-falling snow, I crept along Route 9, praying for taillights of another car to guide me, without much success. Finally, I reached that yellow three-story Victorian house in Georgetown, but no creature was stirring; well, maybe a mouse.
So I slid to a stop and began to unload in the snow. The people must be snuggled all deep in their makeshift beds with visions of hot food, deep in their heads.
Surprise!
The door burst open and out stepped a gentleman, tall and slim and with an ear-to-ear smile; one of the homeless.
He called for a buddy, also with an ear-to-ear smile.
In my reverie I wondered if maybe Santa had brought gifts, but I knew deep down that homeless folk do not get such treats. I was sad, but these two men were brimming with joy and expressed heartfelt gratitude. So typical for these men and women, the guests of Shepherd’s Office. They unloaded everything, wished me a Happy New Year and God’s blessing.
There is magic at that place.
Everyone who lands there becomes transformed by healthy food, a safe place to sleep, the nurturance given by staff, and the respect, guidance and love from all the volunteer workers. It spills over to the homeless; they begin to treat each other well, and the healing takes place.
Never have I been associated with a place quite like Shepherd’s Office.
I encourage everyone to check this place out, maybe chat with a resident or two and experience the magic for yourselves. Then consider lending a hand. I guarantee you will feel like Santa has gifted you.
There is a huge statewide drive coming up March 7-8 for nonprofits like Shepherd’s Office called Do More 24.
They need money to give out approximately 300 daily meals, distribute tents and blankets to all, enroll people in social services, find them jobs and give them hope.
Even a gift of $5 will help. Please donate at www.domore24delaware.org/fundraisers/do-more-for-the-homeless-hungry-or-....
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
