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July 2009
Beginning in early June Josh tells me every day that he is leaving Bonnie Brae in July. Sometimes he tells me twice a day. Each time he tells me he waits for my reaction. Has something changed? Has the date been pushed back? Do I know something that he doesn’t know? Each time I reassure him. Congratulate him. Remind him to stay in touch with us. June and July are bittersweet months here at Bonnie Brae. Like Josh, many of our boys and young men are coming to the end of their time here on the farm. Most are anxious about the future. Most are eager to leave but also sad about the pending loss of stable and supportive relationships. All have many positive, happy memories that will help them in the years to come. Josh was one of my “go-to guys” on campus. When I needed help with a project, when there was a last minute request for a campus tour, or when I was searching for some student insight, I would turn most often to Josh. When Josh first arrived at Bonnie Brae he was very quiet and withdrawn. He had been through a lot of misery for the past few months and he desperately needed some peace in his young life. As Josh settled into our community he began to open up, to try new experiences. Josh became a drummer, a trusted member of the Bonnie Brae Knights drum corps. As a Knight Josh traveled and performed in Florida, New York City, Washington D.C., and even California. Inspired by his success as a drummer, Josh applied and was accepted as a Bonnie Brae Ambassador, our student leaders. As an Ambassador Josh gave many tours of campus, helped to set up for fund-raising events, and fed homeless and hungry people on the streets of New York. As positive experience led to positive experience I could visibly see Josh change. He became much more sure of himself. He saw himself as a contributor, as someone of value. As someone who has something of value to offer to the larger world. By the time he was discharged Josh even looked physically different than he did upon admission. He had grown several inches. He looked much healthier, much more at ease with himself. This transformation did not happen overnight. It was the result of Josh’s hard work and the patient work of many staff here at Bonnie Brae. The all too rare ability to see Josh as something more than the negative labels that accompanied him to our front door. Bonnie Brae gave Josh the foundation upon which to build his new positive identity. Thanks to all of you who made this miracle a reality.
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