Three years ago, I was working at a bank, but it left me
unfulfilled. I longed to do
something with more purpose. I
discovered a YMCA-sponsored mentoring program that partnered with churches to
provide literacy training for children in low-income neighborhoods. With the goal of advancing
elementary-aged students several reading levels, adult volunteers were paired
with the students for literacy instruction each week. The program’s major focus was building lasting relationships,
and after visiting with students and mentors, I was so inspired that I joined
the leadership team.

Initially, I met Mike while he was greeting at the YMCA
where we both worked. He opened
the door for members, kids, and counselors each day. He was the first face everyone saw when they began their
workout or camp and sometimes the last person they saw as they left the
building. He was a joyful and
consistent presence. When I didn’t
see him, I wondered where he was.

Mike is 34 years old. He graduated from high school in 1993 and spent the next year at a
Wilderness Bible College in Wisconsin. While working on applications to transfer to another university, Mike
went for a routine physical exam. Doctors found a dangerous tumor at the base of his skull. Mike’s family knew surgery was the only
option and they were assured that he would be back in school taking a light
course load within one month. Mike
suffered two strokes during the surgery and fell into a deep coma after the
operation was completed. He
suffered significant brain damage. The first months after his surgery were very difficult and required
feeding tubes, constant medical care and threats that he wouldn’t make it
through. Doctors told Mike’s
parents three different times that he might not live. Many prayers were answered as Mike slowly began to eat
again. Even after it had been
pureed in blender, Mike recognized his momma’s cooking! He began to walk with a walker and was
finally able to return home. Now
Mike is able to eat anything he desires, walk without assistance, hang out with
friends, and greet at the YMCA. 

I began to observe Mike more as the days and weeks
passed. Mike’s smiling face
greeted every member and his high fives touched the hearts and hands of many
kids. He was loving, positive and
did his job well. Though I found Mike’s speech challenging to understand, he
was very able and incredibly helpful. He offered towels to folks beginning their workouts and also kept
members from accidentally walking away with those same towels as they
left. One of my favorite things
about Mike was that when he got excited, his volume increased. I am exactly the same way and it made
me happy to share enthusiasm with my friend. To hear him say “Oh yeah!” or “Cool!” when I mentioned
something he might be interested in brought me great joy.

I thought Mike could be helpful as a greeter at my after
school site because I had seen him doing a great job greeting for the Y. We needed someone to fill the role and
I also felt it would be good for my students to get to know him. My students had their own needs and
were from under-resourced neighborhoods. I felt it was important for them to interact with someone with a
disability. This was a perfect
time for my students to get to know Mike and realize we aren’t so different
after all.

Mike began greeting at the site in January 2009. He was bundled up at the door and he
was excited, but at first kids looked at him and went on into the room to do
their work. Volunteers greeted him
politely and church folks who were coming and going thanked him for being
there.  I wondered how things would
progress and if kids would make fun of him or make inappropriate remarks. Mike didn’t seem to worry or be
intimidated. He simply held the
door and was himself.

Over time, Mike’s presence changed everything. Shy kids talked to him. One girl shared her snack and reward candy with him
weekly. Mike gave high-fives, and mentors
greeted him and looked forward to seeing him each week. Every week a wide array of people
passed through “Mike’s Door,” including kids with emotional, educational and
financial needs; mentors stepping out of busy lives as professionals and
parents; Y staff; church staff; church members and college students. And in the midst of it all, there was
our amazing greeter, Mike.

I am grateful for the richness that has come from knowing
Mike. In this, I have seen a
glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Mike showed me that we each have a special purpose and even now I am
thanking the Lord for his and for mine. The Lord has stayed close to Mike and given him amazing opportunities in
spite of much difficulty, pain and change. God helps us move beyond hurts and into places of healing
and purpose. In different ways, He
has done that for me and for Mike. I am blessed to know Mike and call him my friend.

Blair Metcalf is a North Carolina native who has recently relocated to Nashville, TN. Blair is a lover of people and a stay-at-home non-mom new to Music City and looking for a challenge.

The photograph was taken by Jessica Russell. 

**Read more “Perfectly Human” posts by looking at the box in the upper right-hand corner of this blog, and submit your own posts by emailing amyjuliabecker [at] gmail [dot] com