THIS AFTERNOON

Later today,

there is a fundraising event for an organization called "Focus" that I am involved with.

Technically, I am a "mentee."

And for this event, I have been asked to speak for three minutes on how the organization has helped me since my release from jail.

The event is being held at some wealthy individual's home.

On one hand, I do not want to speak.

How will I be introduced?
As an "ex offender" as the organization's website likes to call persons like myself?

And what do I say?

How can, in three minutes, I slip out from beneath whatever preconceived notions these potential donors may have of me?

How can I convey to them that I am more than a man who has been in jail several times?

That I once had a life, a wife, a career and a child and friends... and didn't always live in a homeless shelter having eggs served to me on a metal tray by well-intentioned volunteers who see me as some sort of three-legged, two-headed dog that would die without their charity.

But maybe, just maybe that isn't the point.

Maybe this isn't about me.

Or my fragile little ego.

Maybe I need to see this event for what it is... a fundraiser for an organization that has helped me out.

Upon my release from jail, there was no spot in the shelter for me, so "Focus" put me up in a hotel for three days.

And when I needed a phone (for job-hunting, etc) they gave me a phone until I got a job and could get my own.

And when I had no waterproof shoes and the snow was coming, they bought me snow-proof boots and gloves.

And my "mentor," who really is more like a great guy than a mentor, has been wonderful and supportive.

     Hence, the points on the other hand.

How could I not speak at this event, if it means helping them out?

    Yes, I will be little more than a specimen to these wealthy potential donors.
    A man in a petri dish, to be observed.

And yes, they will probably go through their  bathrooms and living rooms and hide anything they think an ex-criminal might want to make off with, before I show up there.

But.

I realize that I should have only one concern here, and that is saying what I can to help those who have helped me.

Truth be told, I am eternally grateful for them.

Twenty minutes from now, my "mentor" will be picking me up from this place, the public library.

And by 5pm, I will have spoken my three minutes.

So.

Updates to follow.