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RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: Thom
Thom was a heroin addict for thirty years. He knew every dealer on the street and every dealer knew him. When he came to Bethesda Project, his body showed the signs of years of abuse. He was thin and frail, and fraught with medical ailments.
He began his sober life at Bainbridge and as his health worsened, he moved onto Sanctuary. Regardless of the pain he experienced, Thom always had a bright smile and some cheery words for visitors. A devout Catholic, Thom asked a volunteer to promise to water his plants during one of his more lengthy stays in the hospital, because as he put it, "They grow towards God and I want to follow their lead." Thom’s charm and personality filled the house with warmth and laughter.
As Thom’s health declined, it became increasingly important for him to make amends with his family. With unfailing will and strength, he made contact with his sisters and children whom he had lost touch with many years ago. When Thom died, he was surrounded by his family, both Bethesda family and his biological family, exactly the way he wanted it.
Thom succeeded.
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