Brian
This morning I arrived at church. There is a Muslim group coming in today to make a donation and we wanted to take a photo of this beautiful collaboration, so I was wearing my clerical collar. As I pulled into the parking lot of our church there was a man in a tracksuit. He had a shopping trolley filled to the brim, with a bicycle on top of it all. Various items of luggage were strewn around him and there was a white powdery substance spilled next to him. This is not an uncommon site in my neck of the hood. What followed was less expected and common…
Just as I got out off my car, the man stretched out his hands and bellowed: “Don’t worry, I got this!” He approached me, put out his hand (which he said was shiny clean but by the looks of it wasn’t clean at all) and introduced himself as Brian. I told him we are not allowed to shake and offered my elbow, which he bumped gentlemanly. He explained to me that the white substance was baking soda. He think he was telling the truth because if it was cocaine, there was thousands of dollars lying spilled and cocaine owners and users care too much for their stach to let that happen. They would rather drop a child than spill that powder.
Brain proudly announced that he took care of “no less” than four criminals attempting to inhabit our church grounds around 1. He said he felt a call to “defend” this property. How could I respond? I said thank you. Then he told me about his bicycle. He told me he stole it and paused for effect. He then asked me if I would like to know from who he stole it from. I didn’t but took his bait and said yes. Then he said with dramatic effect: “From a thief who stole it from a 21-year-old!. Do you know who told me to do that?” I was about to guess “the devil” when he leaned in way to close widened his gaze and whispered: “The R…C…M…P….I work undercover for them but please don’t tell anyone. Let’s keep it between us. I tell you because you look like you are doing a great job at this church”. I was amused and somewhat flattered. “Thanks for sharing”, I replied.
As if Brian hasn’t given enough revealing surprises, he next asked me if I knew he could pick any lock. Sure you can, I thought to myself but before I could finish my thought Brian unwrapped a sharp object and in two seconds unlocked our church door. I was horrified and impressed. “Brian you really shouldn’t do that and we have an alarm”, I said. “Not to worry my friend. I use this skill only to serve the good”. I asked Brian if I can bring him something to eat. He said only if I tell him what he can do for me. I said that just being friendly already meant a lot to me. Brian said he would love some breakfast. I got him a parcel. We prepare 200 a day. One won’t hurt.
Brian accepted gratefully and told me he is super excited about his life. He is now only “part-time” homeless because he found some construction work. “And you know what Gabriel, there is only two things wrong with me: I am bipolar and have diabetes. Other than that everything works. My one condition is inside and the other one is outside ( I wondered which is which in his mind) and I can handle it. I have so much to be grateful for.”
I greeted Brian and went inside to start the day. He is clearly not in touch with reality but boy, with that attitude of his, he colours life in the most beautiful hues. I feel uplifted after my conversation with him. I wonder how many bipolar-less and diabetic-less people such as myself actually manage to make people feel like that?
Later the morning there is a knock. It is Brain. Someone brings me a rock saying Brian sends it with his love . It has a green Dinosaur painted on it. On the back it says: “If all else fails, be Raptor 2020”
I’ll try Brian, I’ll try. But you just stay Brian, ok?