Kairos resident rose out of the valley

After a year of being served, now he wants to strengthen others

- WCR photo by Bill Glen David Berg was broke and broken when he came to Kairos House a year ago.

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

A year ago, David Berg entered Kairos House. Celebrating Christmas with the staff and other residents was the furthest thing from his mind.

Berg had just climbed out of living in Edmonton's river valley. He wanted to live, not celebrate.

"I was quite sick when I came into Kairos. I was down and physically unresponsive. I wasn't very happy and just before Christmas, it was a hard time," said Berg, 42.

"I was broken and broke. I wasn't able to give so I didn't want to get. There was guilt. But I was thankful because I was indoors."

A death sentence

He has lived with HIV/AIDS for some 17 years. When he was diagnosed, it was pretty much a death sentence. His doctors advised him not to take out any loans or buy a house because he was not going to live long.

Places like Kairos House were few and far between. The west-end duplex was opened by Catholic Social Services in 1987 as a residential hospice for people afflicted with HIV/AIDS.

Berg went through detox and was eventually accepted into Kairos.

"When I came in, I couldn't understand why the residents were so up all the time. In hindsight, I admire how much work went into making me better," he said. "I've known a lot of people who came through here. This is a place of reflection."

At Christmas, the staff and residents have a decorating party where volunteers or staff from other outreach programs come in and enjoy eggnog and music. They trim a tree. Gifts are exchanged. They reminisce while looking through photo albums.

The Order of St. Lazarus has long been a supporter of Kairos House. Every Christmas, it provides funds for gifts and its members come and help wrap the presents.

Time to celebrate

"It's a good time for memories. We have to bring it out and celebrate instead of ruminating in sadness," Berg said. "The staff is able to understand how hard a time it is without family."

He compliments Kairos House for helping him become a long-term survivor of the disease.

"All along, there has been a very supportive atmosphere. I don't feel pressure or pushed in any way. It usually comes down to a positive attitude and being surrounded with really good help."

Erin Makowsky has worked at Kairos for almost a year. This will be her first Christmas with the residents.

"We try to make them feel welcomed because some of them don't have a place to go at Christmas. It's really important for them," she said.

This Christmas, Berg is looking forward to decorating the house and cooking the turkey. He plans to fully participate in the festivities.

He worked part-time last summer, saving up a few dollars to buy some presents.

And if needed, he will be one of the stronger members to offer support to those who are as down as he was a year ago.

"I've rebuilt and become stronger. I can turn to different avenues for help. It's worth it."

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