2020: In Bob's Words

“I can’t control it, but I can control my reaction to it, and I ask myself if my reaction makes the situation better or worse.”

Bob is a frontline staff member at Lakeside HOPE House in Guelph, Ontario.
Published on July 8th, 2020.

I just don't have the certainty in life that some people do.

A few years ago, I fell on ice, I cracked my skull, and I went through a long, long recovery period. I came close to death and I now see death as part of life; there are no guarantees.

That’s the way I’ve approached COVID-19.

I can’t control it, but I can control my reaction to it, and I ask myself if my reaction makes the situation better or worse.

I like working at HOPE House because it’s about helping people stabilize their lives and set a foundation for a more full life. My parents had the same tendencies to watch out for people who needed help, and I grew up with that feeling.

I remember as a child my father used to pick up a man who was living on the street in the evenings to take him to church functions. I remember the man not smelling very good and I remember seeing my dad still wanting to spend time with him. I guess it’s just laid on my heart that this is what we’re meant to do. We share our possessions with those that have less than we do.

I get to come to work every day so I’m not feeling isolated.

I get to have socially distanced lunches with other people.

I get something to occupy my time, so I would say it’s been positive for me.

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2020: In your Words is a mini-series that shares genuine and candid conversations about 2020 has impacted our community members. From the pandemic, to social isolation, to the Black Lives Matter protests, 2020 has challenged us to grow in so many different ways.

Storytelling by Meris Kieller and The Community Company.

Click here to return to the project page, or keep scrolling for the arrows to jump to the next story.