Teddy Bears and Angels

Ramon, a hardened man with a history of incarceration, had lived outside for the past ten years. His “homeboys” would no longer let him come stay at their house because “he gets too crazy”. But the good hospice volunteer began taking him to AA meetings and to feed the ducks—which may have been just as important. This “tough” man moved into Sarah House and started to decorate his room with, would you believe, teddy bears and angels! He loves going to the market with the staff to do the shopping, always wanting to bring us something we needed with his own few dollars. “Make a list”, he says, “I’ll get you anything you want.” And he always begs to stop at the little Mexican bakery to bring everyone some pan dulce. This would-be-lion has become the lamb of the House. Now weak and tired, he often sleeps in front of the fireplace for comfort and warmth. He found a loving home at last in Sarah House, the first he has known in his lifetime.