by Michaelle

My name is Michaelle, and it was Christmas Eve of 2008. It was my first Christmas working on ladies third floor at the Calgary Drop-In Centre. The third floor ladies spirits were high, despite the lonely holiday. A brown cardboard box was delivered to the floor, and the ladies were excited to open it. Inside, the medium sized box contained peanut butter and jelly, ovaltine, a box of saltines, and marshmallows. The ladies acted like there was a feast before them. They bound together to make what little they had, festive.

Witnessing this humbled me. I couldn’t help but share this awe inspiring experience with friends. One friend in particular was my friend Diane, affectionately known as Di. Like many of the ladies residing on the third floor, Diane also faces many challenges in her life. Diane is a quadriplegic; she was born with Cerebral Palsy. Despite Di’s limitations, she fully extends her heart, and when learning of my experience that Christmas Eve, Di jumped at the chance to send a feast of snacks to share, with the third floor ladies. The wheels started to turn; first, to seek permission from my supervisor and a request to arrange a mini fiesta for the ladies. When approached on the subject, my Supervisor encouraged Diane to attend. A date and time were officially set and the preparations began. This was the first time my friend Di, embraced such a lonely holiday.

When other friends got word, they were eager to participate. Just like the ladies of the third floor in 2008, coming together to pull off a party, Di’s friends came together, to plan a party. The shopping cart was heaping, confections were baked, some friends shopped, some friends sliced, diced and chopped. Before we knew it, the car was loaded, and it was Christmas Eve at the DI. With friendly help, we carted the goodies to the ladies third floor. With the sight of the bags and boxes, the ladies excitement compelled them to pitch in, set the table and allow the evening to begin. Diane arrived on that Christmas Eve to the ladies third floor at 7:30. The ladies excitement was evident and so was Di’s. The table was set, the food was laid out. Diane parked in the smoke room and mingled in the company of her new acquaintances. The mood was relaxed and friendly, and judgment was not exchanged by anyone. The loneliness of the season was soon forgotten by the laughter and the engaging conversations throughout the room.

As only expected, the time quickly flew by. With a surplus of snacks, Di was kindly escorted over to the third floor men’s side by the night Supervisor. Munchies were delivered to thankful men who opted to bang the glass of the smoke room window in appreciation, as if Di was some kind of rock star. It was that evening my friend Di will not forget. It was that very evening my friend Di started to plan a party for next year.

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8 comments

1. Roland : February 9th, 2010 at 12:04 am
   

   A very nice recount of a memorable event. Revealing of a life among the homeless and less fortunate yet touching the heart of the reader.

   

   Michaelle : February 9th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
   

   Thank you, Roland. I’m flattered by your eloquent comment.

   

2. daniel saltzman : February 10th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
   

   vERY WELL PENNED . I FELT AS THOUGH BEEN THERE TO HAVE SHARED YOUR EXPERIENCE THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR PEOPLE YOU ARE TRULY A WONDERFULL AND CARING PERSON

   

3. Michaelle : February 11th, 2010 at 6:33 am
   

   Thank you so very much Dan! It takes one to know one…I applaud your success and I am proud of you.

   

4. Scott Rowe : February 11th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
   

   Michaelle just reading your story brings a tear to my eye, you are such a great person and deserve to win. Love Scott

   

5. Michaelle : February 14th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
   

   “awkward”
   My brother, you are supposed to say such kind things. Thank you:)

   

6. Michaelle : March 11th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
   

   Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for my story. Thank you also, for the unique and entertaining “carnival” allowing me to share my story. I enjoyed watching and reading all the entries.

   

7. Louise : March 12th, 2010 at 10:21 am
   

   HI Michaelle — I have your prize — can you pop in on Monday or let me know where to leave it for you? It’s a $100 gift certificate to Sante Spa.

   Louise

   

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