Some People Stay
When you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the trauma of being repeatedly abandoned, it’s hard to feel secure in the world. Sometimes people respond to this type of Anxiety Disorder by isolating. They might think that keeping distance from others will help protect them from additional pain. That seems like a natural response, but isolation can actually increase physical and mental health problems.
Blane was just a child when he was suffering from these afflictions. He began seeing a mental health therapist who taught him skills to help deal with his pain. She also referred him to Great Life Mentoring, an intervention that utilizes trained community volunteers as mentors to enhance mental health outcomes for children from low-resource families.
Blane was brave to take the advice of his therapist and say “yes” to having a mentor. This mentor, Patrick, was a volunteer, not a paid professional. There was no motive for him to mentor Blane - just his own kindness and desire to help a child. Patrick received training and support from the program to help him be successful and accountable in his year-long commitment to see Blane every week.
The guys spent time doing things they enjoy like fishing, mechanical projects and being outdoors. When the one-year mark came around, they were well-bonded. Patrick knew that Blane was not on track to graduate from high school and that he could help. So, they made an extended commitment to help him succeed.
Blane graduated, the guys continued to enjoy each other’s company, and more than a decade later, Patrick has not left!
It’s not uncommon for people to come in and out of our lives. And sometimes that can really hurt or scar us deeply. But there are also people who come into our lives and are faithful to stay. There are some who are emotionally healthy, loyal and true. Patrick is a person like that, and Blane’s life, and life-path, are blessed because of him.