The Reunion

It had been 4 1/2 months since I had lost track of Jake. I was told by Adam Bruckner, a locally renowned homeless outreach worker that there was 6,000 homeless people in Philly. I knew my chances were slim. Emigrating here from Ireland with $80 in my pocket I can say unequivocally that this country has been extremely good to me even though there was a point in my life that I too was homeless. Along the way, I was lucky to have people come into my life that not only mentored me but unselfishly helped me find my way. I considered Jake a mentor too. He taught me the value of friendship and to be grateful for even the smallest things. Five minutes after I said goodbye to Margaux and Virginia I reached the top of Market street after walking through City Hall. Bus shelters lined the left hand side so I made a decision to walk down that side. There had be countless near sightings until I would get up close and realize it was not him. As I crossed the street I looked over at the very first shelter. There was a homeless gentleman sitting there. Son of a ……..  He stood up and recognized me right at the same time. I outstretched my arms and yelled “Jake, is that yourself?” He would call me Gerry. “Gerry where you been?”.

I recognized that voice instantly. At 2:52pm the search was over. I had planned to video the reunion if ever there was one, but that plan went out the window when I ran over and hugged him. I simply could not believe it. It felt so good to find him and know he was alive. I wanted to capture and preserve the moment so I took a not so professional video minutes after we met just sitting at the shelter. We walked back to Sunday Love just in case anyone was still there and tell them the good news. Yes, he was hungry, so we went to Subway, no complaints this time and ate outside and caught up as two friends would. Tony Robbins teaches that you cannot be angry and grateful at the same time. It is either or. I wasn’t angry that I could not find him, just grateful, very grateful he was alive, well and back.

About the Sunday Love Project

I encourage everyone if you enjoyed this story to help Margaux Murphy and the team at The Sunday Love Project. This is a an extremely deserving organization run by a dedicated individual who not only makes the meals every week but delivers them too.