Some stories just tell themselves…like the story of Byron
and David, mentor and mentee. When asked to describe their mentoring
relationship, David spoke of Byron’s genuineness. “Byron’s been incredibly
sensitive and responsive,” says David.
David and Byron’s mentoring relationship is unique on many
levels. David, a 62-yr-old retired physician, is not your stereotypical
homeless person. He’s neatly dressed (always), meticulously groomed and often
uses words that need to be looked up in a medical dictionary for comprehension. David’s nearly three- year stint with
homelessness was a result of a litany of health issues; not until David moved
into his new apartment has his health started to rebound. Byron has been a part
of his stellar return to health.
Mentoring an older adult has its own dynamics as Byron has
visited David in the hospital, in rehabilitation centers and has accompanied
him to various doctor appointments. Byron, a retired Eli Lilly employee, is
happy to do so. “I’ve been very blessed. I’ve always felt a desire to help
others.” Byron retired early in life in
order to enjoy travel, spend time with family (he’s a new grandfather) as well
as give back through volunteerism. “What I like about Trusted Mentors…more than
other things I do (as a volunteer is that) this is more personal.” Byron speaks
of how appreciative David always is and how watching him progress with his
health has kept him motivated to mentor. In the midst of walking together down
this path towards health, the two have visibly built a close bond.
David got connected to Byron, his Trusted Mentor, through
HIP (Homeless Initiative Program). There, his social worker Lillian, assisted
David with finding stable housing. David had the insight that he would need strong
relationship connections in order to assist him with maintaining stability and
meeting his goals of becoming healthy and whole again. “Where I live, there’s nobody there that I can
talk to like I talk to Byron. We talk about everything—sports, politics…”
(Byron grins and mentions that he doesn’t even discuss politics with his wife).
“We always find something to talk about.”
As we parted ways, Byron and David were mapping out a plan
to help David gain more strength and mobility, to include working out at the
YMCA and walking on local trails once the weather improves. Byron retold his
rendition of the star fish story to David—“if all of us did one thing to help
out another, the world would be a better place.” David finishes his cup of
coffee and you can see the gratitude written on his face.
