Hi everyone,

Tonight I would like to introduce you to another of our core members here at Centre Street...John Bloss.  John is 58 years old and one of the original core members here at L'Arche Daybreak. The picture above was taken at the Barn dance with the Tropical fiesta theme.

John is an interesting character and one that has called a lot out of me in my time here.  Most who know me, know that I am full of energy, love to talk.  Well John does not talk much having had problems that affect his speech.  He knows what he wants to say, but is not capable of saying it by times.  He can speak in short sentences and usually can communicate what he wants to say.

John is the first one to greet me in the morning when I come up stairs. I get a handshake along with a "make bed?".  So I help him make his bed and then he puts on the coffee for the house for the breakfast. He pours for himself and then pours me a cup.

At 4pm when we get home, I help him with his shower and he always asks me about my day, what I did.  He loves to hear the news.  He asks questions in his short phrases  and is able to understand often what you are saying.

John loves to help and has become the official bread-maker for the house.  he loves to do this and Kara who is the recipient of this bread is always grateful.  John is proud of this talent and I am quick to praise him.  I often ask his help and he is better at it than I am.  

John is the last one to go to bed among the core members and is the one who turns out the lights, set up the table for breakfast...checks the downstairs for all the things he feels are important to watch for.

I enjoy the chances to just sit with John.  It is his quiet presence that intrigues me and how comfortable I am just to be present to that silence. It is calming for me to sit and just breathe out, do the night charts. I might ask him some questions or talk about something and again he responds with his short questions. 

John is a prayerful man, goes to Bible studies on Wednesday night and  to Church on Sunday morning.  He enjoys the social aspect and the warm welcome of people who love and support him.

John is affirming, loving and a real joker.  His little pats on my arm (by times lovingly enough to almot bruise me), the head on my shoulder or an occasional kiss on my arm show me his ease with me and the growing friendship.  His smile is one that is connected to his eyes that sparkle and dance.  This man is wonderful...even if he does call me "Bill"....and I love it!  Until next time.

Jeff