Sunday, June 2, 2024
I had the privilege of working with John as his transition mentor, during the past five years or so. We immediately gained a healthy respect for one another as demonstrated by both of us putting heads together and focusing on what was most important to John and his life looking forward. He participated in every activity I presented to him. He did so with enthusiasm and with an exceptionally high level of motivation and persistence. I looked forward to our once each week visit when he would share with me what he had worked on during the week, including his sharing about the programs he attended, the books he was reading and the activities that he was engaging in...
John valued who he was and was visibly upset when he could not demonstrate the highest level of responsiveness and commitment, due to the challenges he faced daily and the irregular reaction to medication that was intended to help him keep balance and stability. I became so frustrated for him and wished that I could do something more to bring about a realistic sense of success and serenity. John loved, dreamed and hoped for better days and for opportunities to step up and be all that he was capable of being. He wished that for himself and was proud of steps taken in the direction that brought him closer to his personal fulfillment. We enjoyed conversations in which John uncovered his depth of thinking and his ability to express his thoughts and ideas in creative and thoughtful ways. I very much enjoyed our times together and those many conversations.
May his depth of faith and the love of his family and friends carry him to a place where he can be free to enjoy grace and many blessings.
Bill Clicquennoi, Transition Mentor
