Contributor vendor Dimitri Oliver passed away on Sept. 3
My heart sunk to my feet when I heard that Dimitri had passed on. Sometimes in this work you meet someone who really touches your heart. Dimitri was one of those folks. He never gave me instructions, but he taught me how to do my job better and showed me new perspectives. I helped give him a hand up, and our work together poured into me as well. Everyone has something to offer if we are willing to accept it. My time and work with Dimitri are things I will treasure forever.
Dimitri was remarkably sweet and patient with me. As a case manager, I often have to give a lot of bad news or neutral news that, given the time sensitivity and urgency of this work, can be equivalent to bad news. “We’re still waiting to hear back about your voucher,” “I will reach out to this person again for you,” “Let me check on that,” “We’re just in a waiting period right now,” “This is the best I can do right now.” These are statements Dimitri heard from me over and over again for reasons beyond either of our control. I pushed so hard to speed past these obstacles, but the wait was just so long. I witnessed him face tragic news and injustice with grace and kindness.
Whatever news I gave him, he showed me compassion. He never blamed me, and he rarely became irritated or upset with me. He was honest with me about how he felt while being careful not to place the weight of it on my shoulders. When new challenges arose, he did not despair. He just asked, “What’s next?”
In the end, I finally got to give him the news he was waiting for. With The Contributor’s help, I was able to help Dimitri move into his place in May of this year. He was so happy. During the housing pursuit, he said to me, “If I’m going to die, I want to die in a place that’s mine.” It was the deepest desire of my heart to help him achieve that. I thank God that I was able to be a part of it. Dimitri got his dream. He did it, we did it, God did it. Thank you, Lord.
I am going to miss Dimitri so much. It was an honor to be able to walk with him these last few years. I pray that he is experiencing ultimate peace and freedom from pain at the feet of Jesus. I look forward to catching up with him there someday.