In early June, our conference received a request for support from a senior in our community.  She was requesting support for groceries as she found herself in need due to unexpected bills.  Two of us arranged to meet at her home.  When we arrived, she welcomed us but apologized that she could not have us into her home as there was nowhere to sit.  She shared that it was very cluttered and messy and that she hadn’t been able to sit anywhere except her bedroom for many years.

We had a lovely visit instead in the small common room down the hall. We determined she could use grocery cards to help her through the next month.  She also had an unexpected bill related to her aging dog.  She again apologized for not hosting us, but that she had not seen her table and chairs for years due to the clutter.  We shared that when she was ready, we could help her to declutter and clean her place.  She was quite taken aback by the offer but said she would consider it.

We did not expect to hear from her as hoarders are typically very reluctant to part with items they are storing.  However, 2 weeks later she contacted us and asked for help to clean out her home.

On a Saturday in July, six Vincentians and volunteers met at her home, a small space and with hardly any room to move due to all the “stuff” crammed into every corner and piled on top of every piece of furniture.  For the next 3 hours we moved out only what she gave us permission to take and cleaned every revealed surface and area.  It was surprising to us how much she was prepared and willing to dispose of.  We filled two trucks that day and left her with a much tidier and cleaner home.  Her dining table and chairs were revealed and cleaned and ready for her to host people.  She loves to cook and bake and makes pies for people, but she could not accomplish that in the cluttered kitchen.

We divided up with two volunteers in the main living space, two in the hall sorting and removing items to the trucks and two in the kitchen, scrubbing and cleaning every dish and surface, to not overwhelm her. When we left, we were all exhausted, especially our neighbour!  It was clear this was an enormous undertaking for her, and it took a lot for her to part with the items.  We weren’t sure she would in fact be glad for this change in her life and her home.  Then a week later we received this message from her:

Happy Day! Over the last few days, I have started to relax into my new freedom. My mind opened a new flow of recipes to create.  I have enjoyed my meals at my dining table. I have felt like a gentler person. 

I attended your Parish on Sunday morning. I was hoping to see you. After the service, I asked the Paster the meaning of the word hosanna. I may return because I would like to know who St Joseph the Worker was.

I have such gratitude for you and your family and friends. I hope to pay it forward with kindness and generosity. Would it be alright with you if I texted you another update? ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️.

She shared that she continues to be well, and we assured her we are here to support as needed.  We stay in touch and recently shared this prayer with her: 

By the power of Your abundant grace, turn us inward out that we may recognize the call to place our trust in You alone. Help us release a hold on material things and hold tightly to the treasures of heaven: kindness, mercy, justice, reconciliation, acts of charity and love for all. 🙏🏻

Belinda Boyd