However, a few firsts did happen today:
For the very first time . . . I woke up and cursed because it was cold. A beautiful night last night - the skies were perfectly clear and you could see tonnes of stars. It also meant that there were no clouds to contain the heat from the day and it all went POOF . . . leaving temperatures only a few degrees from the freezing point. You know it is cold when you reach for your cell phone to check the time, and the warmth from your breath covers the face of the phone with a slimy, wet coating. It looked like I licked it!!
For the very first time . . . I was told that I stink. It didn't hurt my feelings because I had to agree. This truth was uttered by a charming 11 year old lad. The funny thing was that he said it so matter-of-fact . . . the sky is blue, milk comes from cows, and Sean stinks. While I do agree, I venture to guess that I would still lose a stink-off if facing a construction worker who has to be working in the heat all day.
Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.
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I am Sean's mother. I may sound like I'm joking here but I'm not. It is hard enough to think of my child living in a tent no matter the reason why, but to think of him being cold...or being told that he is stinky...or being excited about getting paid a few bucks for babysitting some pets; these things just break my heart. What do you do with a kid who is called to do such a thing as this? What I've always done...just love him! God bless you, my Sean.
ReplyDeleteMom, I'm glad you posted the above comment. It clearly demonstrates that the issue of homelessness is multi-faceted . . . it's not just about the person on the street. Often there is a family somewhere . . . wondering and worrying. And, you are a mother who knows where her son is, can communicate with him, and knows that her son is only temporarily living in a tent. I can only imagine what it must feel like for parents who don't where their children are, if they are safe, or even alive.
ReplyDeleteBy the way MA, it was warmer last night and I am fine (a little scruffy and in need of a shower . . . but fine). Love ya!
I've got to go feed a hermit crab and his buddies now.
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteNot only does it affect those directly associated/related to the homeless person, but it also affects those who are associated/related to the homeless person's family....case in point....you know I'm a dear friend of your mom's, and I've been worried about her worrying about you! How the dominoes fall.....you're in my thoughts and prayers, as is your mom and others whom I know are concerned!
Angel hugs are coming your way!
Heather
Thanks for the comment Heather! I also appreciate the concern . . . although I am fine and will be fine. I don't have near as bad as those actually on the streets or in refugee camps. I wish I could bottle all of the concern, which is pure love, and disperse it to all of those in need. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteLiving in a tent is not so bad. I was born in a canvass tent in the bush somewhere years ago, not even on the map. I did not know I was poor then, as a child I thought everything was just great. It was only later in life I found out we aborignals live in poverty.
ReplyDeleteYou raise a very good point, Sue. A tent is only part of poverty if it is not adequately meeting the basic needs of the inhabitant (i.e. adequate and safe shelter). Poverty is not about how much someone has, or doesn't have, but rather about a person's basic needs being met. One can reside in a tent with a loving family and live off the land, and not be in poverty despite having little money or effects. However, a generation or two later, that family could live on a reservation in poor housing, no clean water, have issues to deal with because their family unit has been disrupted and their culture threatened and be in extreme poverty, even though they now have more "stuff".
ReplyDelete