My thoughts and opinion only...I used to feel and say the same thing. The last 2 years have turned that all around to a point. There are people that take advantage. Then there are people like me. I've worked since I was 17, never had a cosigner for cars, had my own places etc. Last year I had a baby and this year I got laid off. I have an android phone but I got it before I even knew I was pregnant. In order to get calls about jobs I need to keep it on. I have dropped it to the lowest possible payment. When trying to get help until my unemployment kicked in I was shocked to find its not as easy as I thought. There are many hoops to jump thru. In some cases you can't get help because you make too much or too little. So for a homeless person I guess there isn't much help long term. Although I'm not "working" I'm busy everyday with my child, housework, yard work and looking for jobs. Its a very tough and judgemental society we are in today. I'm not saying that asking for money here is right or wrong. I'm just sharing my situation. There will always be the people that want something for nothing and unfortunately there will always be people that really do need a push to get back on track. Figuring out which is which is the hard part.

The Dash Poem

The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis


I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Dad

My dad passed last night. He's no longer in pain. He will be missed by many.
Bye daddy! I love you!

Take me Home

Home soon

Hi guys! Most of you know that I'll be home soon. I'm planning to leave here on the 27th. I have mixed feelings about coming home. I really like it out here but I miss you all so much. I wish you all could move here and we could just take over a whole neighborhood. That would be awesome but not practical. I decided to come home because I have you all and you're my support system. Out here I have no one.

Dad is getting worse and there is nothing the doctors or I can do. My half sister will be here today. We have a lot to do and discuss this week.

See you all soon!!!!

Update

Well Dad has finally finished radiation. YAY!! He's already feeling a bit better. If all is well with his blood work he should be home in a week or two. My half sister is here for a couple weeks too. It's been so nice to have someone to talk to and go out with. Dot seems happy to have another playmate too. I guess that's about it for now. Not too much happening.

Homeless

Ok so Vegas has tons of homeless people. I hate it! It makes me feel so bad when I see them out there in the heat. I know not all of them are legit. There is one young guy that's usually down the street from the house. I see him almost everyday.

Tonight I put together a small kit for him. I got a medium size lunch/cooler bag from goodwill. Dad has tons of stuff here. I found a new t-shirt and hat in the garage. I found soap, toothbrush and paste, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, tissues and a razor in the bathroom cabinet. All of these things are in mini hotel size. I put all that in the cooler with peanut butter crackers, cookies, applesauce, canned peaches with pull top lid, fork and a spoon. I also printed out a list of places he could go for some help if he wants it. When I leave tomorrow I'll grab 2 cold bottles of water for him too.

I don't know if he will appreciate my help or even if he's for real. I know I can't help everyone. I guess one person is better than none. I just don't want to be one of those people that just turn away and pretend that the homeless aren't there. They may not have anything but they are still human and should be treated as such.


UPDATE:
I saw him today and I pulled into the parking lot near him. He was walking around with his head down. I beeped and he looked over. I rolled the car window down and held out 2 water bottles. The relief in his eyes was almost too much for me. I thought I would lose it. I told him I had more and I gave him the cooler bag. I told him what was inside and that I wish I could do more. He was so happy and thankful. He said thank you a bunch of times and said it was perfect. I hope it helps him get thru a few more days. I added a washcloth and 2 free hamburger cards for a place near where he stands. If I had and suspicions about him being fake I lost them today. The look in his eyes when he saw the water was pure, not acting.