A letter from a friend. So often we think about the issue of homelessness as one that cannot affect us. But the realty is that someone you love may be facing that situation right now.
In 2010 I found myself on the bathroom floor sobbing. My depression hitting an all time low as well as my bank account. Penny less I began dialing the very brief list of numbers I had in search of help. I came up empty handed. I was not battered nor abused at least not in their eyes, a therapist would have thought differently. So that cleared half the list. I was a single mom at the time, and each direction I looked could lead to me loosing my daughter. Her father, though not a bad man was not a good father. She was and still is the air in my lungs and the beat of my heart. Loosing her met loosing me.
As the last seconds ticked away I found a friend in the most unexpected person. She gave us a place to stay, so we took what we could and left. With a roof over our head I began to see more clearly. This was not an environment I wanted my child in and the “friend” began lying and taking me for what little income I did have. So I made a plan and got my daughter and I on the road to something better.
With a new city, that held old family and friends we were on our own again and heading up. But life is always there to throw you a curve ball. This one came in the form of family (loved and cherished) and a beautiful blessing. A child, not mine, but loved and still do as if he was. In my heart a strength renewed, and a fight inside all of us we never knew we had. However, things only got harder and the economy worse. We jumped from apartment to apartment each with the hope of finding a place we would not only survive but thrive. Without good we would not have bad. During this time I found the love of my life. So the time had come to let go and pray that my loved ones would fly.
Things were not easy for any involved. In the summer of 2013 my new husband, daughter and I found ourselves facing a very harsh reality. We could be homeless. This would not only affect us but a cherished one staying with us. The income was not enough to sustain us. We were being evicted and didn’t know where to turn. This fear is unexplainable. It can rendure you frozen almost catatonic. Thanks to family, they were able to rent us a very small apartment and once again we were saved. However this once again meant parting ways with someone we loved. And praying they would find their way.
We could manage, but only the three of us. But here I sit writting in this apartment falling down around us and as a family once again we are facing many hard decisions ahead.
The story does not end here. In early 2014 two separate family members were not so lucky. Both homeless. I will never forget the fear in their voices and my fear for them. I was rendered helpless.
They have since found their way. But for each of us, though our paths very, we are forever changed. From this I have taken a renewed understanding of just how quickly things can change, the importance of faith and perseverance. Love for one another can change everything. I have learned not to judge. Regardless of the clothes on their back or shoes on their feet, you know nothing of their struggle or what led them to that place. I will never take for granted the love of my family and friends and a roof over my head.