Diversions....September 12, 1999

Diversions....September 12, 1999

Pre-wedding jitters hang above my head like low hanging, black, saturated clouds, waiting to prove their potency by drenching me when I least expect it.

It is a good thing I had to work all day. It allowed me shelter from the impending storm.

I saw Damien today, and I am almost sorry that I have no amusing anectdote to tell from the afternoon's session.

I repeat, almost.

While I thoroughly enjoy entertaining the masses, I dare say most would not find the out of control client situations amusing were they in my shoes, at the very time the demons decide to manifest themselves. Most people would run for the hills screaming, or to the nearest house of god in want of an exorcist. It takes unique skills to cope with some of these kids, and infinite patience.

Unfortunately, most of these skills are obtained by having survived some of the same shit that they are going through.

After my session with Damien, I returned home long enough to freshen up and head out again to see another client. This one I have been working with for four years now, and he is an extreme pleasure to be around. In light of horror stories I have heard from his mother, foster parents, and social worker about this fellow's potential for quasi-violent behaviour, I am proud to say that not once have I ever had to deal with any negative behaviour.

Well, there was one time when he took a package of cigarettes out of the glove compartment of my car, but that is hardly the same as tearing the plastic mouldings away from various parts of my vehicle in a fit of rage. Besides, he gave them back as soon as I found out they were missing.

He reminds me so much of me at that age (15). Introverted, easy to please, quiet, husky,...

...sad. I figure that in a lot of respects, I know exactly where this lad is coming from. We have had similar experiences, and he is reacting to them exactly as I did. I know I have made a connection with him in his emulating my life in as much as is permissable for a 15 year old. I got my ears pierced, and he followed suit. I buy a green velour shirt, he gets a green velour shirt. I say a funny expression, he repeats it to all his friends. It is quite an honour. Indeed, the staff at the group home he is living in have commented on more than one occasion on how much he seems to respect me.

My own mini-me.

I only hope that in all this time, he has learned enough to purge his demons now, as opposed to carrying them into adulthood as I did.

If I find this to be true, I could die a very happy man.

....Blessed Be...