Having good health is a precious gift. Losing that gift can bestow a heavy burden. No one knows this better than James, a man whose path to Christ House began when his health issues led to the loss of his house. Before then, he served his community as a case manager for young adults and sees himself potentially returning to that career. Right now, James is focused on his health, on reclaiming that precious gift.
Prior to becoming a patient at Christ House, James spent his nights walking the streets. He tried once to spend a night at a shelter for some respite, but someone tried to steal his medications. In order to avoid further theft and the risk of getting into an altercation, James felt he’d be better off outside. He endured this tiresome life until meeting a case manager at a local church who commented, “You are way too sick to be walking the streets.” His blood pressure was sky high, and after a conversation with our intake manager, John Craig, James came to Christ House. He was admitted shortly thereafter.
Like many of our other patients, James has shown incredible perseverance and resilience. His journey at Christ House has been a process, a collaborative effort between the Christ House staff and outside providers to treat his multiple ailments. Due to these health issues and the difficulty of getting a full night’s rest—likely resultant from having spent years without that luxury—James is often fatigued and in pain. Despite this, he is able to maintain a calm, patient disposition. Furthermore, whether its talking about DCs best food spots or the trajectory of the NBA season, James is readily up for an impassioned conversation. He doesn’t let his suffering control his treatment of others nor his propensity to smile and find joy in life.
James is also a man who expresses sincere gratitude for his blessings and is highly motivated to pay forward what he has been given. He speaks highly of his father, a man who taught him of the importance of respect and integrity. He guided James as well as his friends, especially those without such a figure in their lives, in the development of their moral character. He also introduced James to football, a sport which James excelled at, playing in college for two years before an unfortunate career-ending injury. In college, James studied criminal justice, and though his father was a police officer, James aspired to be on the preventative side of the law system. To this end, he started an outreach program with his brother before transitioning into case management. Commenting on his profession, James states, “I love what I do. It wasn’t much money, but it wasn’t about the money. For me, it was never about the money…I love helping people, giving back.” While feeling that intrinsic duty to serve has its merits, it is all the more admirable how James took that desire and translated it into action.
While his spirit of service certainly flowed into his work, it also flows into James’ relationship with his family. A father of four daughters, James puts it simply, “I love my babies.” At the beginning of his fatherhood, he carried his first daughter on his chest as he attended classes. Now, he speaks to them every day and talks proudly, with a huge grin, about their accomplishments and aspirations. Despite the uncertainty and adversity of his current situation, he continues to support his family and be their foundation. Thank you, James, for sharing with us your story.
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