Sunday Morning April 23, 2023

Sunday Morning April 23, 2023

“Millie and Bob were both sitting quietly with their hands folded, silently praying.”

A homeless couple, Millie and Bob, asked if we would take them to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. They told us,“We’re tired of living like this. We want to try to get our lives together.”

We met them at 8:00 the next morning and took them to breakfast. It had been a long time since they sat in a crowded restaurant on a Sunday morning. Not being used to having a choice of foods, they carefully studied the menu. When the food arrived, we started to eat, but suddenly stopped. Across from us, Millie and Bob were both sitting quietly with their hands folded, silently praying. Embarrassed, we waited until they finished. After breakfast we visited a beautiful local park with a fast-running brook and several wooden bridges. They walked slowly, admiring and commenting on the beautiful, natural setting. We couldn’t help but think of the contrast of the trash-strewn, noisy railroad bridges that the homeless sleep under each night.

Arriving at the AA meeting, we were met by a friendly face and a warm greeting, “Welcome, there’s coffee in the other room. Help yourself.” Although the room was crowded and warm, there was an air of congeniality, a friendly buzz of conversation as people greeted old friends. Millie and Bob did not take their coats off. Homeless people are uncomfortable and cautious in strange settings, and often remain in “flight mode.”

As the speakers droned on, Millie and Bob dozed off. We understood. Sleeping in a cold tent on a rainy night, the hot meal, the heat in the room, and the droning of one person speaking quietly, it was understandable that they fell asleep. The most important thing was that they were there. There would be future meetings where they could hear the message. When the meeting ended, Millie asked if there was any way she could get a book. We talked to a friend and he gave us a book on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Millie was delighted. We drove them back to their tent, located in a lot filled with abandoned cars. On the way, Millie said,“This was the best morning we’ve had in a very long time. Do you know what I enjoyed the most?”Continuing on, she told me,“At the restaurant, when I used the ladies room, I was able to take all the time I wanted to wash my hands over and over, using real soap.”The next morning we received the following text from Millie:

“I’ve been reading my Twelve Step book all night. Our spirits are high.”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11