A True Story of Courage & Hope

October 24, 2014

    My teenage son and I arrived at Operation Care scared, shaken and embarrassed. Our home was no longer a safe place. I tried to make my marriage work. For years, I thought it must be my fault. If only I was smarter, I would know what sigh or word not to utter. Maybe then there would be less yelling. If only I was faster, I could clean the house and cook each meal on time. Maybe then there would be fewer complaints. If only I could remember that whatever I do, think, or decide, will be wrong, maybe then there would be some peace in the house. If only I could obey without question, there would be less anger. If only I was dead, I would not upset anyone anymore, but then my son would face the madness alone. I must stay alive for him.

     Each time the police were called to take me away, they left me at home with an Operation Care leaflet. All the officers urged me to call and get some help. Their eyes spoke the words they are not allowed to say. Yet I stayed, hoping to make things better, ashamed of what had become of me, scared to take the leap. Troubles only got worse. Now the physical violence was returning with added verbal abuse, berating and mocking insults about me and my family, including my dead parents.

     One morning, while the yelling, taunting and mocking of my deceased Mother was happening again, the world went silent. I stood, turned around to face the madness and roared "Shut-up." Such a bold proclamation went beyond the point of return. It will never be forgiven or forgotten. Again the police were called to take me away. Lies were told, but the police

  were not fooled. Again they gave me an Operation Care leaflet and suggested my son and I leave the hostile place we call home for a few days. We took refuge in a rustic clapboard cabin, a wooden box big enough for two wood bunks and a chair. My son deserved better. I swallowed what pride I had left and went to Operation Care. I am a 57-year old man. I expected no sympathy for me, but maybe for my son. The Angels at Operation Care treated me with warmth, respect, and care. They listened with an open mind and would not allow me to be embarrassed. They lifted my shame and restored my dignity with compassion and understanding. Each and every Angel gave me a warm smile. They all care about us. With wise guidance, they gave me strength and direction. Always ready to listen, the Angels cheer our highs and soothe our lows. They encourage our path to progress and know what we cannot think of.

     Thanks to the Angels at Operation Care, I am no longer a broken man. Their tenderness, sympathy and care lifted our despair, gave us hope, confidence and self-worth. While house hunting, the Angels at Operation Care provided shelter with motel rooms, food, gas, and direction. They listen, care and act. Their tireless efforts continue with their Fresh Start program. Although I may not feel worthy, they helped us get a home by paying for the move in costs. They filled the home with food, cookware, kitchen items, towels, and more. They even paid the deposit for our propane service. My son and I have a warm home now.

     The future is bright and hopeful. People do care and understand. Thank you Operation Care. The glow of each Angel's Halo casts light upon the darkness of despair, guiding us back to a colorful world filled with warmth, hope and love. Operation Care and it's Angels have my eternal gratitude.

Printed with permission of the author.