Who We Are

Tony lay quietly in the hospital bed, attached to tubes, unaware of movement or sound.  His mother, Gwendolyn rode a bus for eight-hours to reunite after a 15-year separation.  She was thirsty for information, and especially wanted to know if anyone knew whether Anthony believed in God, because the doctors didn’t think he would live much longer.

Walking back to work, I remembered Tony was part of a special storytelling project that included his views on faith and religion.  Gwendolyn shared a copy of his interview with doctors and nurses so they could “know her son.”  Two days later, she visited Listening House to meet men and women Tony considered friends, taking pleasure in each story while adding some of her own.

 “Today was very inspirational for me,” she quietly remarked, “the doctors asked me to stop life support.  I have no family here and it’s hard for me to make the decision, but after visiting with his friends I’m sure Anthony would not want to live like this.”  

Tony was removed from life support the next morning and died within an hour.   

Gwendolyn came back to Listening House, consoled her new friends and asked if I’d help her empty a locker at Union Gospel Mission, where Tony bought a bed each night.  Later we went to the hospital to collect what he carried the day he collapsed. Gwendolyn piled some loose bills and odd change on a chair near my purse, and I asked if she wanted me to request an envelope?

“No.” she answered.  “I’ve seen the work at Listening House. You take that money and help another mother’s child.”

Listening House was $24.70 richer in funds, but knowing she gave everything Tony owned was richness beyond description.