http://plywoodpeople.com/1480 An innovative community addressing social needs Thu, 17 May 2012 01:32:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://plywoodpeople.com/1480/comment-page-1#comment-224 Andre Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:37:51 +0000 http://plywoodpeople.com/?p=1480#comment-224 I too have learned so much from my friendship with Clarence. Last night he stopped by very upset because while he had to do some juvey time someone stole all his clothes. While we were talking about this, Jeff came to the door with Jada, and Clarence's face lit up and he said "whats up socks!" (That's his nickname for her). He had this huge smile on his face and suddenly all the worries were gone. It made my night and I think it made his too. It's the little things that matter. I too have learned so much from my friendship with Clarence. Last night he stopped by very upset because while he had to do some juvey time someone stole all his clothes. While we were talking about this, Jeff came to the door with Jada, and Clarence’s face lit up and he said “whats up socks!” (That’s his nickname for her). He had this huge smile on his face and suddenly all the worries were gone. It made my night and I think it made his too. It’s the little things that matter.

]]> http://plywoodpeople.com/1480/comment-page-1#comment-221 Sandy Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:18:13 +0000 http://plywoodpeople.com/?p=1480#comment-221 What a wonderful story! I've met Clarence, and enjoyed his response when he saw your daughter for the first time! that was fun. You've beautifully put into words what I've struggled with my entire life, living in Bolivia. That controlling feeling of "to give or not to give" doesn't feel right, and is further complicated by the question, "am I taking away dignity by fostering a dependent relationship?" It's a struggle. Let me know when you've got it figured out. :) I think Clarence is teaching you some great things. Thanks for sharing! Sandy What a wonderful story! I’ve met Clarence, and enjoyed his response when he saw your daughter for the first time! that was fun.
You’ve beautifully put into words what I’ve struggled with my entire life, living in Bolivia. That controlling feeling of “to give or not to give” doesn’t feel right, and is further complicated by the question, “am I taking away dignity by fostering a dependent relationship?” It’s a struggle. Let me know when you’ve got it figured out.
I think Clarence is teaching you some great things.
Thanks for sharing!
Sandy

]]> http://plywoodpeople.com/1480/comment-page-1#comment-220 Duncan Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:44:30 +0000 http://plywoodpeople.com/?p=1480#comment-220 Jeff, great story. Clarence sounds like a really interesting guy, maybe more of his story will come out in your friendship with him in time. I think you hit the nail on the head in providing dignity being a way of loving him. Sometimes its easy to look at the systemic reasons for the situation of a person who is experiencing what Clarence is experiencing, and ignore the blatant reality of helping the person right in front of you. My own limited experience suggests dignity, listening, friendship and commitment are often the most valuable things we can give. Good to hear you no longer need anyone else around Plywood now you have Clarence :-) Jeff, great story. Clarence sounds like a really interesting guy, maybe more of his story will come out in your friendship with him in time. I think you hit the nail on the head in providing dignity being a way of loving him. Sometimes its easy to look at the systemic reasons for the situation of a person who is experiencing what Clarence is experiencing, and ignore the blatant reality of helping the person right in front of you. My own limited experience suggests dignity, listening, friendship and commitment are often the most valuable things we can give. Good to hear you no longer need anyone else around Plywood now you have Clarence

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