Paul is a one-man parade.
An effervescent fountain of bubbling energy and laughter, I have never met anyone quite like Paul. He is short and round and always in bad need of a shave. Paul is the kind of man who could shower, shave, and get dressed in a really nice suit, only to look scruffy again minutes later. So I was surprised to learn that he is also a cross-dresser. He enjoys reminiscing about his younger days and showing us photos of himself in drag.
Paul talks fast, in an accent we cannot quite place. Maybe Newfoundland, but washed out after spending most of his life in Ontario. Paul would often ask questions, not stop for an answer, just keep going in his nervous, excitable chatter.
I met Paul when I was helping run a street mission called Sandwich Mondays. We showed up every Monday night around dinner time and handed out sandwiches, hot coffee, and other food items. For several years, Paul showed up almost every week and tried really hard to help us. He would often chase after people walking by, insisting they take a couple of sandwiches and a coffee. He could be quite aggressive, and I think he may have frightened some people, but he really did have a big heart and the best of intentions.
When Paul and his partner, Mike, were in their mid-sixties, they were kicked out of their apartment. Unable to find affordable housing, they ended up homeless for most of October that year. They chose a gazebo/band shelter right downtown as their campsite while trying to secure emergency housing. The visibility served them well, as several local churches took up their cause, bringing them hot meals and helping where they could. The city got involved and put them up in a local motel for several months while helping them find better long-term accommodations.
I remember visiting Paul while he was staying at the gazebo. He would burst into tears over the hopelessness of their situation. Then, once they were in the motel, he would get quite emotional and thankful for all the help they had received. Like I said, he really had a soft heart.
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