Today I was reminded how lucky I am. Someone I volunteered with told me they have been homeless the past few months. They have been staying at places here and there while searching for a new apartment. This person also takes care of their grandchild who has special needs. I didn’t ask how it happened because I know they didn’t mean for it to occur. And it isn’t easy when you don’t have a lot of money and are responsible for someone else. As for family and friends, they don’t have room or resources to assist them until they get back on their feet.

I was left homeless in 2004 when the row house I lived in was destroyed in a flood by Hurricane Ivan. I remember how unsettling it is to all of a sudden not have a home anymore. But by the grace of God a friend let me stay in their spare bedroom while I sorted things out. I will always be grateful to that friend and have never forgotten how much it meant to me.

I may have rough days at work and things don’t always go how I would like them to. And people sometimes suck and don’t come through. But it isn’t the end of the world and it doesn’t mean I have a bad life. That stuff happens to everyone. You just have to deal with it. I have a place to call home and a nice comfortable bed to sleep in. That is something that until you have had it taken away, you cannot put a price on.