A Major Win

When stuck in a crossroads, sometimes the only thing needed is a hope and a prayer. 

Music by Scott Holmes - A Wee Tipple 
Non Copyright Music 

Transcript

Speaker 0:08

He had reached out, apologizing for being a bother. He was angry, upset, and scared. Overwhelmed by the obstacles in front of him, and no sign of help from those around him. We had worked together for several years, and this one had overcome obstacle after obstacle, always choosing to take steps needed to make meaningful change. Despite the cost. Despite being ridiculed and unsupported. Despite being told he was no good and had ruined his life. But this one had learned to aim high. Through angry tears and desperation, he told me how the instructions I had given when he was no longer in my care had not been carried out by those in charge. How no move on his behalf had been made, leaving him still caught in the crossroads of systems, both federal and state. And now, due to inaction on the part of those he had no choice but to depend on, a milestone he had achieved in his education was at risk. He was unable to move forward into a program he had thought was beyond his capabilities. But now, after being accepted, that future in front of him was about to be lost. We talked. The situation was complicated. Several factors were at play, including systems beyond what I normally dealt with. And time was of the essence. But I assured him we'd work together and somehow figure it out. Then both breathed a request for wisdom. We decided on a move that was worth a try. It couldn't hurt, and so today we both traveled to the crossroads where red tape and log jam dominate. We parked, and at his request I prayed. Asking for help. Asking for a miracle. For the right people. Asking for wisdom and direction should this move not work out. We entered the building and sat waiting. Hearts pounding. Both continuing to make our petitions within. Distracting ourselves with talk about friends and tattoos. Our number was called and we walked to the appropriate booth and waited while the person in charge studied the documents. She mumbled under her breath and clicked away on the keys. We waited, quietly signaling to each other with facial expressions. After a few minutes, more notations were made on the documents, a few more entries into the computer, and then, with a slight grin, she announced that the adjustments had been made. It was official. The paperwork was completed, then slid under the glass. In an instant, fists that had once been clenched when we first met, now shot up in the air. Then overwhelmed with relief, he reached out and gave me a hug. We both shouted with joy, then laughed. He was free to keep going, no longer stuck in the crossroads. Possibility had just shot through the roof. This one who used to glare, who saw the world through eyes of suspicion, turned to me and smiled, face full of trust. He had just experienced a miracle. Thank you, thank you, thank you, he kept repeating, as he smiled at me with tears in his eyes. Thank you for being like my mom and dad. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will go to sleep with both tears and a smile on my face tonight. Miracles do happen. Lives are changed. Today was a major win.