I remember this specific moment with Joy like it was yesterday. I was in the middle of a busy time of sharing life, most likely a time where there were a lot of moving parts to the day, and I was feeling overwhelmed with everything that was going on. I was going back and forth to different parts of the house, seeing who needed assistance where. As I was doing that, I heard Joy bellow in her boisterous way, “HEY! COME HERE!” 

I go to her and ask her what she needed or wanted, with Joy, you never really know. She then grabbed my hand, stopped me amidst the busyness and said, “I love you”. Those simple words, that simple gesture, causing me to stop in my tracks and slow down amongst the busyness of routine. Reminding me again why I said yes to L’Arche as an assistant a few years ago. 

My family is pretty ingrained in L’Arche. My uncle Richard was a core member for years and my family worked here for some time. I’ve always referred to the core members as my family and they often saw me as such. My dad used to hang out with Joy a lot when I was little, they’d sit outside on the back porch of Peace house and spend time together. I always remembered hearing about the stories they’ve shared. Joy’s relationships with assistants and community members is special since she’s been here since the beginning and she has helped shape what mutual relationships look like. When I was younger, I didn’t really know Joy in that way, but now, since I’ve grown into my own at L’Arche, my friendship with her is something I’ve treasured so much. Joy has become a mosaic of many people that have come through L’Arche, holding them close, cherishing them, and taking them in as her own.

As time moves on, our friends have grown older, needing more care and assistance from what I remembered when I was younger. As I’ve reflected on my time here, I’ve realized how lucky and grateful I am to be sharing life during this season of change, especially with Joy, the matriarch of L’Arche. Being able to walk with her as she transitions into needing more care and assistance has been hard, but so rewarding. It’s where the trust is built and really, when the friendship goes deeper, sharing a vulnerable side with one another and accepting help. It’s not always an easy task for us or for our core members to accept when we need more help at times. I’m so grateful to be their friend, to continue this legacy sharing life in L’Arche, keeping the memories of my Uncle Richard close, sharing stories, and ultimately walking with our friends through the seasons life throws at us.