Everyone wants the same thing...a little self respect Recently, while at a family gathering, I had the chance to catch up with my cousin, Rick. We remininced about the days growing up together. He shared with me a poignant story from his days back in high school. He and his brother, William, were part of a group distributing food to needy families in our town. The two young men were tasked to distribute boxes and bags to families before the holidays, part of a community-wide effort to help reduce hunger among those less fortunate. Rick and William had a list of homes to visit, but were also given additional provisions just in case. They loaded up Rick’s car and headed out to make their rounds. William suddenly asked Rick to pull over before a brown home just up the block. Checking his list, Rick said it wasn’t one they were scheduled to stop at. But William quickly added, “I know, I know, just stop up there and take them a box,” and he jumped over the seat into the back and crouched down low so as not to be seen. Rick got out of the car and did as William asked. He walked up to the door and rang the bell. A young man, about his age, opened the door, and Rick asked if he would like to have the food. “We are distributing these boxes around your neighborhood.” The young man looked around, a little surprised by this offering, and asked, “Is it free?” to which Rick said yes. The young man then asked if he could have a little more, for there were a number of people who lived there and more would make sure everyone would get fed. Rick said, “Of course,” and went back to the car for another box. As he was driving away, William sat up. When they had dispensed all the food supplies, they headed back to pick up their mother from the pantry. Rick told her all about their trip and the many families they had visited. William added that they stopped at one house that wasn’t on their list. It was the home of a classmate of William’s. He said, “I’m glad we had enough to bring them some.” “But why,” asked Rick, “did you hide when we stopped at his house?” “Because, everyone wants the same thing, to keep their self respect,” said William. “If he knew that I knew, he would have felt bad accepting the gift. Because he didn’t, I think he was okay with it.” Later as I reflected on the story, I thought about all the clients in the Substance Abuse Treatment program. They may be struggling with their recovery. They may have been down and out and even homeless...but what they all want, and I believe, deserve, is to earn our respect. What they are achieving is remarkable. They are turning their lives around and returning to their communities...and in turn, keeping their self respect. After all, everyone needs the same thing.
—Palacios
October 2018
35
