Tandy.

There was a guy who stayed at Breakthrough until just about a month ago named Tandy Tryon ("As in 'Try-On some clothes'" he'd say). He had been in the program since I started working here in October. He was one of "our" guys. Coming into work was great because you knew Tandy was going to be there and you could look forward to hanging out with him. Breakthrough did a focus on him a few months back. Read it here.

Tandy was one of my boys. He'd moved out of Breakthrough and was struggling a bit. He stopped into the day center from time to time and was in the process of getting by in here.
This past Monday morning I got a text message from Rusty at around 9 o'clock that informed me that Tandy had died in his room over the weekend. That was it. I don't remember the last time I talked to him, but it was just that. The last time.

Tandy certainly had his struggles. He was an alcoholic, a very visible addiction. He fought it until his last day. It helped bring him to Jesus. He found nowhere else to go but to Him. It helped him understand love and grace. I am in no way advocating for alcoholism as a means of evangelism. Jesus goes for the throat, He gets at what will get us. This is what got Tandy, and he knew God's grace and loved Jesus for it. Tandy got "it." He loved Jesus.

I love you Tandy. See you at the gates. Can't wait to hug you.

Peace.