My story today is a short one. There have been times in the past in which I would drive through a town and see, what I conceived of being, a homeless person. Many times I have wondered how that person got to that place. No one ever intends to be homeless....
This morning, I woke exceptionally early and walked my dogs until we reached the Teddy Roosevelt bridge that challenged me, yesterday. The walk was a nice change and got me outside of the room. Then I turned and realized how far I had walked and had to walk back. My smallest dog, Kaia, was tired of walking by the time we were halfway back to the inn. When I returned to the inn the family who were staying in the room next to mine were packing up their things. I thought everything was good for them and that they could go home. Then I realized they too were homeless. They were leaving the inn because no one had afforded them another night's stay. I became heartbroken. They have known about my story and how I got to the place where I am today, but I did not know their story. I felt helpless and cried for them because I had no money to offer. This was different than the "me" who would have given them what money I had to help or paid for another night's stay. I ran into my room and gave them 2 packages of the Korean noodles that I enjoy eating. It was all I could offer. The couple were happy for just my little offering of kindness. Their little girl gave me pictures she had colored and deep inside while smiling to their little girl I was slowly losing it because no kid should have to be homeless and yet she was happy. I tried to hide my tears but the little girl caught me and gave me some of her crayons and a couple of pages from her coloring book to color. Even now writing this I cry for that family, myself and the many others who have fallen into this situation. I write while crying wondering about their stories and how might I help to give a voice to this terrible moment that for many will pass never to be forgotten.
Today, I want to smile and not cry. I want to talk about the kindness of others. So, I traced my journey to Montana and remember the people at the UPS in Sioux City who helped me ship a Jeep load of stuff to the house I rent so that the dogs would have more room to stretch out. I think about the amazing people I met in Billings at Cracker Barrel who were from Libby, Montana and told me about the pure amazing beauty of this small town. I think about my incredible neighbor who threw me a birthday party, listens to me when I need a friend to talk to and makes me laugh, often at myself, but always with a cup of coffee from her deck. I think about other neighbors who have a fun garden and the lettuce they shared with me. I later learned about the yellow spiders, so I haven't had any lettuce, since. I think about the innkeepers here at Lake Creek Inn and the fresh produce they give me while I stay here and the $20 dollars they gave me, yesterday. I think about all of my friends I left in Omaha who believed in me and this amazing and yet crazy idea of reaching for what I believe is my right path. I am blessed and amazed at their constant emotional support and wishes to see me succeed. They give me energy because they believe this situation is just a small transition from one step of faith to the next step until I have reached my purpose. This morning I spoke to one of my friends. I could not believe the level of kindness that she and others are attempting. They want to help in the largest of ways. I did not have to ask because they are volunteering and as much as I love each of them, it makes me sad that they are helping me because I have never expected my friends to do any more than to smile, pray and believe that I will survive this moment succeeding to my next.
In closing, I want to thank all who are following me on this journey. I want to ask that you continue to smile and laugh, pray not just for me but for others like me so that your words of kindness may reach God and he will protect us from this moment to our next.
Kendra
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