I panicked through the traffic thinking I had enough time. I was worried I would be late for you. I wasn’t…it was OK …we had time to say goodbyes to your tribe, heartfelt, warm hugs, lots of shouting across a divide. You signed out, changed shoes, and lifted your boxes onto the trolley. We packed them into the car those 4 banana boxes while you clutched your plain brown envelope to your chest, no handbag in sight.
The sun shone brightly; spring warmth hinting of better times to come. Coffee I said – OK you said, so we went to my local. Posh you said it’s not what I’m used to! Order what you like I said…You didn’t know…it was different…Not familiar, so we had the same thing.
We read your list – Let’s start with the most important one – It will be crucial. It’s busy you said look at all the cars …it feels so big I’m not used to this I wouldn’t know where to go.
Its OK I said… lets Google map so we won’t get lost. We found it and parked… It was OK and the new person was OK, Nice even, helpful and kind. She confirmed your ID and next appointment.
Tick number 1 off the list.
We back tracked to the station got bus/train card and maps – This looks OK you said, I think I can do this… you opened your plain brown envelope and counted it out …
Tick 2 off the list.
Next new ID… a form to be filled out – it needs a photo – we can get that I said. But I need 2 forms of proof? Let’s try the Bank next…A young teller said no …we need this ID… We don’t have it I said – Not yet…we need an account to start with…I gently leaned in could we see some one senior…and a man with a smile came and said it’s not usual…but let’s start with this; let’s see…he didn’t make you feel bad when you explained where you had been…it didn’t matter why.
We filled out your ID form while we waited… You need a JP and a letter of proof of address. I don’t have it you said…it’s only day one…The man with the smile said here this will help a statement of zero but an account nonetheless and it has your address.
This letter I post, said the man with the smile, will give you your address proof, bring it back when you get it…And your account will be live.
Next stop was your photo – stand tall and don’t smile a quick swipe of gloss to make it all seem worthwhile. You opened the plain brown envelope counting out once again…I can witness your photo I said it’s OK it’s good that we have known each other for 12 months.
Tick three off the list.
Lets Google the JP and see where they are. Look here is one not far from home lets write down their number so you book tomorrow and get your ID in the post. It all takes time so let’s hope that it is two not three weeks to get that precious card back.
We window shopped back to the car – A phone will be next as you counted out from your plain brown envelope. They are expensive you said and you wondered out loud if you could figure out how to use them. Let’s put that on hold, I have a spare one at home you can use it I said…until you have received your first benefit payment. We don’t know how long that will be…it all takes time.
But it’s important that you have a phone – in case I get lost you said ! So I and the kids can call you, I said, to know you’re OK…and to brighten your day.
Tick 4 off the list…
Back in the car we headed away to locate the places for your appointments for the rest of the week. Your face brightened when you realised how close they all were and the second-hand shops that will help with a new top, maybe new shoes.
Tick 5 off the list…
6 hours it took us to work through your list, to start a new life again when you have no ID, no bank account, no email, no phone, no transport and $200 to last for goodness knows how long…with an address that is family but not quite yet home.We found that address with green well mowed lawns and a proud white washed house, blue skies above and a sense of peace…We unloaded your 4 banana boxes into your new whare...you folded your plain brown envelope and tucked it away…exhausted your were from the very first day.
A whole day for me away from my job…but for you the very first step on a journey of hope for the rest of your life.
Turn Right 2 Go Left 