When I walk into Friendship house, I hear the chaotic
whirlwind of voices. Lively chitter chatter filling our
home. Many brilliant minds filled with so many
thoughts, and excitement. Everyone together, but also
doing our own thing. Free to make our own choices.
Friendship house is being treated like normal. To have
autonomy. Friendship house is a warm cup of tea in this crazy economy.
I smell Ethan’s home-made chicken sandwiches
cooking, making it smell like I walked into a chick-fil-A.
I love the smell of Friendship house after a long day.
I hear Tim watching Twilight Zone on the TV, the
theme song echoing in the walls, becoming the
background noise for our house. Sometimes I just sit in
silence. Taking it all in. I think about finally being
home as I sit quiet as a mouse.
Friendship house tastes like Tim’s freshly brewed
coffee in the morning. Friendship house is the funny
unexpected moments that always seem to happen
without any heads up, without any warning.
Friendship house is Tim asking for just one more back
massage. Sometimes my life feels so unreal, I’m in a dream, It’s all a mirage.
Friendship house is Chris taking a ride-drive in the
van. Friendship house is trying to go with the flow, not always needing a plan.
Friendship house is everyone hating January. It brings
so much cold snow. We all agree this month is too
frigid, making our frozen bodies stiff and rigid. While
Jack Frost is nipping at our nose, in the cold arctic
freeze, Friendship House has pizza hot and warm. Any
kind goes, pepperoni, sausage, cheese.
Friendship house is sitting together for meals at the
table. Feelings of belonging I’ve only dreamt about. The
loud murmurs of many conversations. Happy chuckles.
These moments together fill my heart with joy.
Friendship House helps me feel more stable. At
Friendship House, I belong. I am more than just a label.
Friendship House is cards against humanity rounds,
and dying of laughter before laying down the most hilarious card.
Friendship house is like any other family, it’s not
always easy, it’s not always breezy. Sometimes we mess
up, sometimes it’s terribly hard.
At Friendship House, there’s plenty of love to give. We
are only human, we are nowhere perfect. But one
thing’s for sure, two things for certain, when someone
is hurt we always pick up the shattered pieces. I’ve
found my forever people. To them I am so drawn.
Friendship House is never holding grudges, forgive and
move on. I can’t imagine where else I’d rather live.
Friendship house is laughing till our sides hurt.
Friendship House is singing karaoke at the top of our
lungs. Friendship house is the delicious taste of
homemade fresh baked goods on our tongues.
Friendship House is never needing an excuse for
celebrations or parties. Friendship House is deep talks
when my brain is spinning too fast and bright. Letting
out my feelings, saying how I feel gives me inner peace.
Helps me sleep at night.
Friendship House was a little tin man hanging from the
kitchen ceiling. He was our own little mascot. He was so appealing.
Friendship House is having strangers become family.
Friendship House is opening up and being vulnerable
with feelings. Friendship House is helping me with my
healing. The world is a vast rushing river wild and
deep, if you’re not careful it will knock you off your feet.
At Friendship House, I’m finally standing on solid
ground. I no longer feel like I’m under the waves, I
have the strength to hold on. Home is no longer a place
on a map, but it’s finally a chance to exhale.
Home was never a place, but a person I became.
Thank you so much, Friendship House. I will never be the same.
– Lisa Bedrossian