I get to.

Written by Tom Cooper

Jenny runs Whole Way House, a single room occupancy building (SRO) in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. They provide community programs and support in a low-income seniors building, targeted to seniors and veterans transitioning out of homelessness. The city views Whole Way House as a model of how to build community, while caring personally, for older low-income residents.

Jenny’s work of caring for struggling residents in SROs in Vancouver started with her grandparents (Mario and Mina) in the 1970’s, and continued afterwards with her parents (Ron and Tina). The SRO was eventually run by Mario and Mina’s grandchildren, Jenny and Josh. Over three generations, the entire family has been committed to making their residents feel safe, accepted, and loved.

When I visited this remarkable woman at Whole Way House I was struck by a small medallion Jenny was wearing on a chain, stamped with the words: “I get to”. These medallions, I learned, are all hand-stamped by men transitioning out of homelessness or recovery. I asked Jenny what the phrase “I get to” means.

She told me it had to do with her father, Ron, who had passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. He had lived much longer than doctors had predicted. He said to his daughter one day: “After my diagnosis, all of my ‘I HAVE TO’s became my ‘I GET TO’s. I don’t have to go to work, or sit in traffic, or wait in line at the store; I GET TO do those things because I’m still alive and healthy. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to be thankful for all of the amazing privileges we have.”

As we approach Christmas, this motto of Jenny’s father could help us look at our lives through a new lens. If we find ourselves blessed with health, loved ones, resources, and community, one thing we get to do is care for others who have needs in these areas. God says, “I will bless you…so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

The life and words of Jesus likewise say that God is pleased with us when we love, in both word and deed, the needy world that surrounds us.

For many, the Christmas season can feel like an endless series of “have to”s. Remembering all our “get to”s can help to decide both the quality of our own Christmas, and the quality of the Christmases of those less fortunate whom we help.

Have a blessed and blessing Christmas,

Tom