27 Nov - David’s Story of Hope and Faith

David’s Story of Hope and Faith

I grew up in a loving family in James Bay with my parents and grandparents living in the same home. We were rich in love, and I feel like I was really blessed. I became a partner of a successful bus company, and later I met my beautiful wife and had a son.

One day while I was at work, the dispatcher called me up and said, “Dave, I got bad news.” My wife and son were killed by a drunk driver that day.

The death of my family sent me into a downward spiral. Me and Jack Daniels became extremely good friends. I couldn’t work, and I couldn’t drive – it hurt too much. All I could think of was that I wanted to be with my wife and child. The thought of my mother, who was still alive, was the only thing that kept me from ending my life. I needed money to drink, so I couldn’t pay rent. I was living in tents, underneath bridges, in the park, and wherever I could find shelter.

One day in 2008, I was passed out drunk in the gutter, and something happened. Now, some people might say that I imagined it all and that’s okay. But it was like taking a look at a hot bright sun with your eyes closed. There was this voice, saying, “David! Wake up! Open your eyes! Take a look at yourself.” And I woke up. I looked at myself. I was filthy from head to toe. I stopped drinking that day, and I haven’t touched a drop again.

I stayed sober, but I had no place to live and no one wanted to hire me at age 64. I gave out pencils on the streets, and that’s how I got known in Victoria as “the pencil guy.”

Two Pacifica staff ran into me one day, and we started talking. They worked tirelessly to find me a place, and a few weeks ago I moved in. When we first went to the apartment, they waited for me to invite them in. I was confused at first because I couldn’t believe it was mine!

I’m overwhelmed when I think of how far I have come with Pacifica’s help. I’m looking forward to playing music again with friends and to bringing smiles to people’s faces. But best of all, I have a home. I want to tell people to have hope because even the darkest days pass