'It's like Christ's love for us'

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The men at the District's Central Union Mission look to John Schlesser for spiritual lessons of giving and redemption -- caring for the 101-year-old World War II veteran like a grandfather as they recover from drug- and alcohol-abuse problems.

Mr. Schlesser, who has been living at the R Street Northwest shelter for more than four years, is a fixture for the men participating in the mission's yearlong Spiritual Transformation program. They help him get dressed, shave and bathe. And administrators have bent their rule that requires overnighters to leave the shelter during the day to take him under their wing.

"As a ministry we have honored God in treating this man with dignity and respect," said Ted Ross, the shelter's senior chaplain who also cares for Mr. Schlesser. "I just believe that we have been watched as we have done that. And even when his season with us ends, I think we'll be able to know we have done right by him. I think that's all that can be asked of us."

Mr. Schlesser enjoys his caregivers' compassion, and his eyes light up when they bring one of his favorite foods -- oatmeal or french fries.

He said the secret to living a long life is simple: "Eat natural foods and don't drink the Pepsi-Cola."

The roughly 50 men now inside the shelter describe Mr. Schlesser as witty and engaging. On good days, he might tap a few keys on the piano or share his thoughts on Marxism.

During a recent Christmas feast, he offered some of his favorite life lessons.

"Self-control is the greatest idea in the world," he said. "You have to learn to control yourself," and "if you want to know the truth, you always want to read world history."

Dressed in a leather jacket, a green skull cap and too-big shoes, Mr. Schlesser shuffles through the dining hall. He grins when asked whether he likes the Christmas carols playing in the background.

"Very good," he said, licking cake frosting off his wrinkled fingers while repeating his favorite line: "It's very good."