Feature photo above: Lisa Taylor and Paul teamed up this year as L’Arche Comox Valley delegates for the L’Arche International Federation Assembly.
Saint John, New Brunswick is one of Canada’s oldest maritime cities dating back to 1604. It’s known for its beautiful wilderness, the Bay of Fundy and lobster, lots of lobster. And hailing from Saint John is Paul, one of L’Arche Comox Valley’s core people, who has lived at the IBC Suites on Grieve Ave. in Courtenay, BC since the building opened in 2017.
A new beginning leads to discovery
Paul grew up in Saint John along with his three sisters. He was an active boy who seemed to get in trouble even when he wasn’t trying. Paul recalls, “Like the time my mother hid my sister’s birthday cake in the closet, and I stepped into it as I tried to put away my coat.” Life was busy and Paul took his developmental disability in stride, eventually seeking out a life with a wife and children. But it was difficult for Paul being a father and a husband, and he soon found himself alone, lonely and needing support. One day his sister, Melissa, returned home to Saint John to visit and realized that her brother needed support that he couldn’t find on his own. Soon enough Paul moved in with Melissa and her family, and that was the kindness and the new beginning that Paul needed to discover himself.
A life of giving and growth
At one point the family moved to Ottawa and that’s where Paul’s service to others started to shine. In the mornings he would attend a special school upgrading program and, in the afternoons, he would volunteer at the food bank. Ottawa was also where Paul first became a Special Olympics athlete playing soccer, though baseball would become his sport, winning a bronze medal at a national level.
Paul (far left) as he is welcomed into the Knights of Columbus.
From One Coast to the Other
Paul’s brother-in-law is in the Canadian Armed Forces, so the family moved many times, eventually landing in Courtenay 22 years ago. Today Paul loves the Valley, the L’Arche community that he has found and the many friends he has made. And his love of God, singing and serving others has led Paul down a path that gives him great joy.
Use the Gifts You Have
Paul is happy to help wherever he can. He is often asked to help lead L’Arche functions and offer prayers. When asked his secret to being so well-spoken, he says, “I just say what’s on my mind. I don’t write anything down. That seems to work best for me.”
If you want joy, give joy to others. If you want friendship, be a friend. Give, give, give and be ready and willing to receive. Oh, and if you’re planning an East Coast trip, be sure to stop by Saint John. And when you’re there, think of Paul.
Paul with L’Arche Comox Valley Board Chair Daphne Crowther.
Every year L’Arche Comox Valley fundraises a portion of our operational budget. The funds raised help us to provide living support for people with diverse abilities so they can live confident and connected lives. They also helps us to offer social programs for not only people who live at L’Arche but those in other living situations.
Our programs are open to people with and without disabilities. We want to build a society that includes everyone, because when people are valued without condition or exception, the world becomes a kinder place for everyone.
