The gift of a warm coat kindles a rich friendship and introduces Clyde to a new “family” at Maybelle Center. As the relationship morphs, Spiritual Support walks alongside members to ensure Clyde’s friendship will continue to bring joy to our community.
“This is my family,” exclaimed Clyde as he gestured around the Community Room filled with members and staff. Clyde smiled warmly, his eyes always inexplicably inviting. Clyde freely gave his presence as a gift, forgoing any mask or pretense.
“Those eyes… you could not look at Clyde’s eyes and not listen to his heart,” reflects Mary Ann, a volunteer who provides spiritual support here at Maybelle Center.
We met this beloved member of our community in an unlikely way. Rosie, a resident at MacWest (our affordable apartments), first met Clyde as he huddled on the cold brick outside of her building.
“Andre,” Rosie paused as she looked at her husband. “Could we give the man outside our building one of your coats?”
Andre handed his wife a coat and Rosie ran it downstairs to Clyde. It wasn’t much later before Rosie asked Andre, “Could we just bring him into our home?”
“So they just invited him in,” smiles Mary Ann as she recalls the story of how Rosie and Clyde’s friendship began. To Rosie, friendship wasn’t just a hollow gesture.
“Rosie’s been his lifeline. She kind of brought Clyde back to life.”- Mary Ann
Rosie advocated for Clyde’s needs and connected him with the community at Maybelle Center, that he would later describe as “people who love me” and “family.”
Just one more time
Late last year, Clyde’s health began to deteriorate, and he moved into a hospice facility in East Portland. Even in his last days, Clyde’s personality was magnetic, longing to give his presence to friends one more time.
“Being the persuasive and beautiful person he is,” Mary Ann recalled, “Clyde convinced his caseworker to take him to church on Sunday and to Maybelle Center on Tuesday so he could spend time with his friends.
“Rosie came into Maybelle Center when Clyde was here, and they both just lit up!
“When somebody is within days of dying, you don’t expect him to be up, dressed, and out-and-about the town. And those eyes!”
Deep emotional bonds
Just three days after Clyde’s last visit to Maybelle Center, he died. But the death of his body is not the end of our relationship.
When we look at photos, remembering Clyde’s eyes or how he made us feel – that connection doesn’t just evaporate. The emotional bond lingers in our heart even if we can’t be in the same room anymore. Just like the deep sense of love we have for a close friend who moves away.
“I don’t think relationships ever end,” reflects Mary Ann as she walks alongside Rosie to provide Spiritual Support after Clyde’s death. If we enter into any relationship - even a simple conversation - with the idea that you’re willing to be changed by it, those relationships just live in and become part of who we are.”
As a donor, you entered a relationship with our members the first time you reached out. Even if you weren’t in the same room. And just maybe, the relationship with Clyde and Rosie has now become part of you.
