I've intended for about a week now to post a comment about my county's Department of Social Services. A week ago, a woman our congregation has been helping off and on for several months, was at a real low point and needed more help than we could offer. Estranged from her children, it seemed she didn't know where to turn. It was cold outdoors and she didn't know where she was going to stay that night.

I made a few calls and figured the DSS could help her and offered to have her follow me for the 20 minute drive to their office. We arrived 15 minutes before they were set to close, she tried to screw up as much of her pride as she could maintain while going to ask for a level of help she had admirably sought to avoid for several years. We walked in the building and not knowing where to go started wandering and obviously looking a bit lost. A custodian (!) stopped and asked us if she could help and very politely directed us to the correct office. The staff who then helped us arrange for a warm and safe bed for the night were SO wonderfully kind and helpful. They joked with her getting her to calm down, they treated her with tremendous diginity and kindness. The entire office had to stay past closing time to help us but I didn't notice anyone look at a clock or imply any need for hurry. They arranged for a warm and safe bed for her and took the actions required to start the ball rolling for her care.

I was so very impressed with the way the staff interacted with us. They treated this woman as a human being, not a "client" or "vagrant" or object. Thanks.

After leaving the county office building, we drove together as far as a gas station to make sure she could get to her bed that night and then back to DSS in the morning. Then I left her. She was grateful and had been able to retain her dignity through a situation I know she had feared.

We heard from her the next day that things looked good for her. Then we heard nothing for several days, but this was not unusual.

We heard today that she is dead. We aren't sure the circumstances or reasons.

I have every reason to think that the care and dignity she received that first night at DSS was maintained. I know that we at church showed her unconditional love and support, even though we eventually had to help her look to the county for support. I hope she died knowing that some people cared for her very much.

Into your hands, O God, we commend your servant.
Acknowledge, we pray,
a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Recieve her into the arms of your mercy
with all the saints in light.