In January, we received this email: “We have a gentleman friend, James, who visits our parish (St. Anthony the Great Eastern Orthodox) who has been homeless for a while. He was diagnosed with cancer over the past week or two and is now getting set up for hospice care. However, he has no residence, and the hospital seems like they need to discharge him soon. I can’t imagine him not having a place to live during this time…and want to ensure James does not end up back on the street.”

We were able to welcome James – and he quickly stole our hearts. He was quite a character, and every now again would surprise us with a special sweetness. His church friends visited him regularly, taking him on outings and bringing him whatever items he wanted. He had quite a wonderful support group.

James very peacefully let go at 3 am one morning. By 4 am, his dear friend Father David was praying over him for at least an hour. He was only 56 years old. We will miss him very much.