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Better to be kind than right

The world of homelessness, addiction and mental illness is foreign to many. People in their perfect little worlds are oblivious to the struggles. They complain because they were approached by someone asking for money or a helping hand. It’s easy to pass judgment

The world of homelessness, addiction and mental illness is foreign to many. People in their perfect little worlds are oblivious to the struggles. They complain because they were approached by someone asking for money or a helping hand. It’s easy to pass judgment. …

Let it be known that this is a world where the caregivers and people they work with draw from the goodness in each other.

I have been in the “helping profession” for many years now, and I want to share a piece of some people whose lives who are over on this earth, but will live on in the hearts of many.

Most recent is my and many others loss of Tom. As a quadriplegic in recent years, he made the choice to live on his own, in his own home and not live in a long-term care facility with 24-hour care.

Many perceived him as a troublemaker, a difficult person to work for and with. He was deemed defiant because all he wanted was the quality of life we all enjoy. I admired Tom for that. Sadly he passed away at home by himself as he did not have 24-hour care. Imagine yourself in that situation, what would you do?

There was Howie, who often yelled because he couldn’t hear. Some perceived him as “crusty” and ornery. To me, he had a great story of living. I enjoyed his company immensely; he lived a hard life, but he lived it. They found him alone in his room.

Have you ever been so frustrated or in so much pain and when people don’t understand that, you come across as an angry person?

Then there was Glen, eccentric to many, he loved his Calgary Flames and cats, but sadly didn’t have the well-being to take care of either. He also died alone in his apartment. Glen always wore a smile for me, happy to see someone who cared.

Do you ever not take care of yourself because you just don’t have the strength at times?

Richard — the “keeper of the streets,” he liked to call himself — died from an overdose. His heart was bigger than most, but his pain even bigger. Have you ever thought about escaping from it all?

Then there was Lori. All she wanted was to be loved. Again, the addictions took control. Do you ever lose control?

There was Dave, found dead in a snowbank. Addiction and a lifestyle most of us would never “think” of being in. Ever lost control of your life for a while?

These are just some of the people who have touched my life and I will never forget them. Have you ever lost someone you cared for because of choices they made?

Let people in for a moment, and they may provide you with an insight into a world you have largely ignored, walked by, or turned your nose up at.

It is better to be kind than right.

Karen Ninkovich

Red Deer County