Fun at the fireworks

For those of you who are not from the UK November the 5th is traditionally a night of celebration with fireworks and bonfires. This is to celebrate the fact that we still have a Royal family and that Guy Fawkes did not succeed in blowing up Parliament in 1605. All across the country there are public and private firework displays, and last night I attended one of these with work.

It was an interesting experience, walking across the city with 6 addicts in tow to get the to the display. Walking along with these guys who very rarely do anything that does not involve intoxicating substances was difficult, but provided some great comedy moments. Even though I work with these guys on a daily basis this was the first chance I had to spend some time with them outside of the centre.

I have come to know these guys over the last month and a half and in those experiences have had my eyes opened and seen a new side to these homeless addicts that I never realised existed. And last night presented these guys to me in another totally different light. I'll admit that I am becoming slightly immune to the suffering and the sadness that is in the centre. But last night showed me that there isn't anything different about these guys. They are normal, maybe with some additional needs. But meet these guys out in the street and you would not know they were any different to anyone else on the street.

So I am glad that I organised to take these guys out for a fun night out. Although they had a good moan about walking to the display and did not appreciate having burgers and drinks bought for them I know they enjoyed it. One gentleman in particular had a huge grin on his face all night. If I only make a small difference in one persons life then surely it is worth the effort I put in everyday at work. I hope I can remember this in the future and never lose the desire I have to work with these people.