Jesus, it has been 38 years but it seems like yesterday.
August 10, 1983, a date I will never forget and a date that has shaped my life more than any other since my birth.
It was a Wednesday and it was hot. Hot and incredibly humid. Dog Day Afternoon hot.
I was 19 years old and about to experience something I would never forget.
I was also an in-patient on the psychiatric unit of the Maine Medical Center in Portland. Less than 24 hours earlier my mother visited me and explained that I could not come home once I was discharged. My behavior, she explained, was unacceptable. My illness was manifesting itself in fits of uncontrolled rage, belligerent behavior and sheer arrogance.
This was my second hospitalization in less than one year. I was floundering and out of control. I remember being angry during that meeting with my mother, my doctor and a social worker. But my anger was much more about fear than anything else.
Where would I go? How would I survive?
I did not have a job. I had only the clothes on my back and 55 cents in my pocket. I not only know it was exactly 55 cents, I also know that it was one quarter and three dimes. I awoke the next morning and stared out the window of my hospital room. From the sixth floor, it was looked as if the city of Portland was snarling at me, ready to swallow me whole.
You may find yourself in another part of the world. . .
I was discharged at about 11 a.m. and began my walk down Congress Street, past the fire department, the statue of Longfellow and the porno theaters that have since disappeared.
By the time I hit the intersection of Oak Street, I was drenched in sweat. I stopped at the McDonald’s restaurant and asked to speak with the manager.
I was told the manager was busy. They were gearing up for a lunch rush. I asked when I could come back just before a man tapped me on the shoulder. “What do you need?” he asked.
I will never forget that man. His name was George Lydick. He lived in Falmouth, and he owned three McDonald’s restaurants in the area. He invited me to sit down and grabbed an employment application.
I can’t remember if I filled out the application. I do remember that he gave me a Big Mac and a chocolate shake. He asked if I could start immediately because he needed a third-shift utility worker, a janitor who would clean the bathrooms, change the oil in the fryaltors, empty the garbage, break down and sanitize the shake machine and mop the floors.
He was willing to take a gamble on me, but only when the restaurant was closed and there were no customers around. I had told him that I was just discharged from P-6, after all.
I had a job. I would earn $4.25 an hour, and George agreed to comp me two meals a day until I got my first paycheck. I shook his hand. Thanked him profusely and left in search of place to live.
Roughly 30 minutes later, I found myself with dozens of other people in the basement level of Portland City Hall. My name was called, and I met with a caseworker. I showed her my discharge papers and told her I just got a job at McDonald’s but had no place to live. The shame of being there was crushing.
The city, she explained, had limited resources, but if I could find an apartment that would take city vouchers, they could pay my rent until I got my first paycheck. They could not, however, help with any security deposits. She also gave me $17 worth of emergency food stamps and sent me on my way, looking for an apartment with a list of potential places and an eligibility form that the landlord would have to complete.
I struck pay-dirt on my first try, the emphasis on dirt. The apartment was a one-room efficiency on the fourth floor of a building that smelled of cat urine and featured peeling paint, torn carpeting in the hallways and lots of loud music. The rent was $50 a week. It included all utilities.
The room was tiny and had two windows, both of which could not be opened because of the swelling wood and lack of maintenance. The view featured the brick wall of an adjacent building. There was a stained mattress, a two-burner cook top and a micro fridge.
You may find yourself living in a shotgun shack.
It was 2:30 p.m. I had been on my own for a little more than three hours. I had a job and a place to live.
I was terrified and would begin my new job in less than eight hours.
Despite my accomplishments, I did make a very big mistake that day. I decided to use the toilet in my new apartment. It did not occur to me until it was much too late that I did not have toilet paper, a shower curtain, soap or even a towel.
My theory is if that ever happens to you, it only happens once. In the 28 years since, I’ve never had less than 28 rolls of toilet paper in my home at any given time.
I remember being stunned that I had to actually pay for things like towels, salt, soap and toilet paper. Those things should be free, I reasoned.
Welcome to being an adult.
My mother and a friend of hers visited me three days later. They brought with them several bags of groceries: cans of tuna fish and soup, fresh vegetables, peanut butter, bread and cereal.
Flash forward some 30 years later. I am sitting at my desk this morning, thinking that I should clean my pool instead of updating my blog. I am overlooking my gardens, and I am impressed with my lawn and its lack of brown spots. All my windows can be opened, and we have five air conditioners and stainless-steel appliances.
You may find yourself with a beautiful wife and a beautiful house . . .
Next week, I will wake up in my camper perched on the shore of Moosehead Lake. My, God. . . how did I get here?
I say all this because the taxpayers (you) made an investment in me. Nearly three decades ago, you gave me $117 in rent and groceries. For the next two years, you subsidized my medications and loaned me money to go to college.
Was it a wise investment? I like to think so, especially when I look at how much I pay in taxes; the money I donate to charity and the lessons I try to pass on to my two stepsons.
Sure, it doesn’t always work out this way. And who knows, maybe I could crash and burn, but sometimes the investment works out nicely.
Regardless, I will never forget that day.
It was my worst day, and it was my best day.
Originally published August 10, 2013
RANDY SEAVER CONSULTING 
A truly inspiring story, Randy. I hope that all who read this account and know you will see the young Randy the next time they encounter a down-on-their-luck person struggling with life’s challenges. There but for the grace of God go we all, now or tomorrow. Thanks for this.
LikeLike
Very impressive, Randy. Had no idea even though you spent so much time in my neighborhood as a kid.
What a great example of commitment and perseverance!
LikeLike
I had the most amazing pleasure of working with Randy in Calais as the office manager. Randy you were an amazing, wonderful, caring very hard working man. I am so proud to say I was a small part of your life back then.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Sandy for your kind words! It’s been forever, it seems. I hope you are doing well, and I also hope to get back up to Calais sometime in the near future.
LikeLike
Randy, I have not been in calais except to visit since 2011. I live in MD and went back to work for Spectra Energy. Hope to meet up again also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you!
LikeLike
Hey Randy,
There are thousands of us, mother’s of sons so afflicted, who ache to know that there might be hope on the other side of the thing that we must do and can’t do. Thank you.Lynn Bromley
PS I note that this entry is a couple of years old. I hope that you re post it every August.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Randy, I went through something similar with my young adult son. It broke my heart to deny him anything. Less than two years later he is thriving and actually helping others. I am so proud of him as you should be of you. Thank you for sharing this story again as I missed it earlier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Connie! I am glad to hear your son is doing well!
LikeLike
I applaud you, Mr. Seaver. So many of us are afraid to speak of our past, struggles with mental illness, etc. It’s downright shameful that a few people continue to attack you and use your illness against you. If only they walked in your shoes, but I doubt they’d have the courage or conviction it takes to pick yourself up and continue on. I know how difficult it is, though. And I believe you may have saved a life or two by sharing your inspiring, insightful experiences.
LikeLike
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
Mr. Seaver…thank you. I too have had one of those days, the kind that is somehow simultaneously the best and worst day of my life. And there’s no question that my life after that day, albeit slowly but surely, is better than it was before (in most ways, that is)—and it seems to be getting better and better w/ time and hard work and dedication. However, since that day I’ve focused on one thing when reflecting (which happens many times a day still (it was a very impactful and sad day years ago)): that it was the worst day of my life, that it led to so much pain and suffering and confusion and heartache.
I’m now making this proclamation:
That stops today. Life is precious, and I’m doing everyone a disservice by focusing on the past and the negatives instead of focusing on now and the future and living life to the fullest.
That may not have been the point of your story or your decision to share it, nonetheless I felt compelled to leave this comment, as this is my first step.
So, again, thank you, Mr. Seaver—you may’ve saved a life today.
LikeLike
As a mother myself of a teenage boy, I can only imagine the lesson your Mom left you with that day was the hardest thing she had every done. I appreciate you sharing your story, revealing how “Welfare” can actually be just that, and sometimes we, as a community and culture, have to accept the failures with the successes – and run with the successes. Countries all over the world think of everyone in the USA as rich, and blessed. The latter, we are, but there is overwhelming pain, poverty, despondency here, too, that we need to help in order to keep being human. It is reassuring to see you still love Maine, and choose to spend your “peace” time here. Love the Talking Heads references – touche’. All the best to you and yours in your lives forward…and thank you for continuing to “Pay it forward…”
LikeLike
Randy- I had no idea! I am impressed that you shared this story, happy that you’ve come so far and frankly, really proud of you! Some day I would like to have the courage to blog about my start into adulthood after my mom’s sudden passing. It wasn’t pretty, but I’m proud of me too! 😉
LikeLike
I would really love to read that story, Ann
LikeLike
So proud to call you my uncle, you’ve come so far! 😊
LikeLike
Thank you, Mariah!
LikeLike
It’s not always easy to say what’s really going on. It takes real courage. As I step out and away from behaviors, addictions and friends I am finding myself too and it is really good..
LikeLike
You/ your story is what I believe in…what I still believe in
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your story. We all have a path that God has given to us, He gave you the grace to follow your path. God Bless you. Alice
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Thank you, Randy. I am amazed at your mother’s courage as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You inspire me Randy!!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Ann!
LikeLike
It was the worst day of my life as well although I felt at that time that it was the only way I could help you. Maybe not the best idea but look what an amazing person you are!! xox
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Randy.
LikeLike
My goodness, I think that was the most inspiring story I have ever read. So very well written, thought out with the most beautiful message. I am so glad that you made it. And you made it well. Thank you so much for your story.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your kind words! I came across your blog, and was immediately captivated by your gut-wrenchingly honest and beautiful writing. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you Randy.
LikeLike
You are, very courageous and brave to share this information. But I applaud your decision to do so. Caused me to be introspective and realize that I can do more to help others. Thank you.
LikeLike
Randy, this is such an important and brave message. Thank you for taking some of the stigma from the needs of the mentally ill and struggling in our world.
LikeLike
People are so quick to point fingers before they know the whole story. I too, am impressed with your story.
LikeLike
Amazing…..
LikeLike
I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this story!
LikeLike