Michele is a small woman with a BIG personality. Sometimes she is quick to let new assistants or everyone at a community gathering know what she doesn’t like about a situation. In her home, she can be very direct and hurt feelings happen.
Recently we had a compliance review (a periodic in-depth review by a government official) and Michele’s home was to be visited. Michele said she wanted to welcome the compliance officer and tell her about life in L’Arche. The compliance officer arrived exactly at 9am. Michele said hello, began talking nonstop about her life in community and in her home. At one point the compliance officer suggested Michele bring her knitting into the dining area so she could set up her materials. Then Michele took her on a thorough tour of the home, chatting and being very personable. The compliance officer was at the home for 3 hours and Michele continued to be engaged and witty and welcoming the entire time.
That evening at table we were celebrating the completion of the review. The House Leader gave a heart-felt thank-you to everyone at the table and in community who helped make the review such a positive experience. When he thanked Michele for the compliance officer’s incredible welcome, Michele smiled and said, “I was born that way!” Everyone clapped and laughed and affirmed Michele’s response. She is indeed a warm, welcoming woman who loves her home and her community and is not shy to tell the stranger at her table all about it.
Michele and Donna, L’Arche Ottawa
*drawn from the L’Arche Canada November 2011 weekly e-stories
