A new day

And a new lease on life.

I toured a teen crisis center today - a place for teens to come when they are subject to abuse, estrangement, or if they have left home voluntarily and can't find another home. It was pretty wild. I know sensory perception is the last we should rely on during experiences like these, but I couldn't help to focus on the smells; I touched everything; my eyes were scanning the rooms. It was a barricaded, educating, homeless teen house. They had case workers, therapists, and a teacher on staff. Their kitchen was the kind where massive amounts of the same types of cheap food are kept and eventually cooked, broiled, skewered - any way to reintroduce the same old ingredient. The basketball goal was broken; so was most of the furniture. By all accounts, this place was nasty, but I never stopped thinking that it was also invaluable. You see, the shelter is filled most nights. With stringent staffing requirements and procedural policy in place, they are only allowed to have a ratio of 6:1 teens to staff on at any time. The kids are kind - the staff is overworked - everyone - everyone - is thankful. For the staff - it's just another day at the office - things are hectic, personal, and professional - but the kids simply see things differently.

To say I was humbled is too much - I didn't feel arrogant or proud before - but something about seeing this whole institution propped up just to provide rubber mattresses and showers for people - real people - changed my perception. Perhaps a paradigm shift is from what I am reeling now.

-IE