The gift of being able to work with people who I admire is one that is rarely lost on me. While I’m effective at my job in a certain way, I oftentimes experience my partners accomplishing feats I would have thought to be impossible. For example, I would like to refer to a text Forrest received from one of our clients today:
“Hey Forrest, just wanted to say thank you for everything. You saved my life and got me to a spot where I have opportunities I would’ve never thought possible. Your work has made me, my mother and everyone who cares about me, so relieved proud and excited for me. Idk where’d I’d be without you man and you probably know all this but just wanted to tell you. You gave me a fresh start at life and I’m so grateful that God put you in my life. Whatevers going on in your life I hope you know you’ve saved my life multiple times and I’ll forever be grateful. If I grow up to be half the man you are, it would be an honor. Much love man appreciate everything 🙏”
If I grow up to be half the man you are, it would be an honor.
The bolded part is the part that made my eyes wet. For fans of The Wire, this is a kid who Forrest has had many Bunk-Omar sit-downs with. Addiction, as a chronic relapsing brain disease, ensures that there are no easy journeys in recovery. Somehow, in between collect calls and court dates and seven hour car rides to rehab, Forrest was able to impart on this kid a meaningful enough impression to inspire this text message. I don’t know if there’s a greater compliment.
The young men we come across all share a common denominator. In an attempt to feel more secure in themselves, they developed some pattern of maladaptive behavior. Unchecked, this pattern leads to devastating consequences. Even as a professional, I find myself worried about this burgeoning crisis in mental health. Yet I take solace in the fact that for every confused young man descending into crisis, there’s a Forrest out there willing to help him.
