Stories

We would have blamed ourselves if he had died on the street, it would have been very difficult for the team.

Each time we met, Mr. V. had a smile on his face. Each time we met, the magic worked, like an enchanted parenthesis.

Just a year ago, I took a long leave after 5 years with Street Nurses, in order to take distance, question one's professional commitment and avoid a burnout.

This week we have done a “team exchange”. This means that I, who am usually inactive in street work, have joined the “housing” team.

Today I accompanied Mr J to the hospital for his pre-admission interview. It’s now almost two years that I have known him. This morning he is nervous but not less determined to stop his excessive drinking habit.

Talking about my job helping people experiencing ‘homelessness’ prompts many responses.

Mr. N.* is middle-aged. He is at an age where one laughs at one’s past life and starts to dread the inevitability of the future. Mr N. talks about the looming ‘deadline’, but with humour, and with a sardonic smile at the one certain thing that awaits us all.

Mr V.* is a patient we have been following for several years, first in the street, then in housing. He is a very charming gentleman, with his heart on his hand.

Mr. G.*, he is a patient who touches me very much. He reminds me a little of my grandfather, among other things because he is elderly.

Today, I would like to tell you a part of Mr. J*’s story. So much could be said. I could tell you what a complex and confusing man he is. Exhausting at times.