Phoenix People
Oh yes, I just coined a new phrase. Phoenix people- those who just keep on rising up no matter how often or how hard life smacks them down.
For over a month now, I've noticed a homeless woman in the local park where I walk my dog. The first time I saw her I thought that she was traveling (she has a large suitcase with her) and on her way to a job interview - she was dressed in a smart beige suit and very well groomed. She looked like she was ready to take on the world and win.
She was there the next day, on the same bench. In a different outfit, looking lovely, with her suitcase. Then I noticed that she'd locked her suitcase to a fence with a metal chain so that no one could steal it from her. This seemed very odd.
Eventually I worked out that the park had become her temporary home. She was always well groomed and would smile at and/or greet nearly everyone in the park. She is young, attractive, her clothes are nice. It seemed that she'd hit a rough spot but would be on her feet in no time.
But time passed, weeks. Finally, this morning I approached her. I mentioned that it was getting cold and offered to get her a blanket from my home. We spoke for a while. She insisted that she was fine and that I shouldn't bother because she'd be off the streets by tomorrow. I asked if she'd contacted various shelters, she had but they were not helpful or to her liking. The name she gave me is Mrs. Jefferies. She's a fairly private person and so I didn't ask too many questions. I just wanted to help her in any way I could and did not want to pry. I don't know why she is homeless.
Mrs. J is attractive, intelligent and literate (we talked about books and I brought her some). She shared tips on grooming and vitamins with me. She is very dignified and polite. Her faith is enormous - she is certain that all will work out for the best and that God will provide. I could see how her faith was keeping her sane and strong during this difficult time. It is inspiring.
We discussed what sort of items she could use. She needs to be mobile, to look for work, a home and so on. Whatever I brought her would need to fit in her luggage and be worth carrying around.
At home I tried to think in practical terms about what would be of use to her. It was an interesting mental exercise. What would I need if I were homeless but had to carry everything I owned?
I brought her a variety of useful things. Some she accepted and others she could not use. What she chose was interesting. I expected that the blankets, warm jacket and hat would be priorities. She did not want them. She did take a book, perfume (2 kinds, one a small Givenchy- I could see that she is a woman of taste and I figured it would do much to lift her spirits) food, a handy water bottle with water, the more attractive sweaters and scarves were chosen(not the warmest). The paper towels were a hit as were the body wipes, moisturizer, vitamins and a book bag. The toothpaste was not her brand (and she assured me that she'd have a home very soon and wouldn't need it), same with the soaps (she had plenty).
It seemed that Mrs. J did not want to take things that I could use (soap and toothpaste).
As for the warmer items, they are bulky and she's absolutely certain that she will have a home very soon.
I understand why she chose the more luxurious items. They are easier to carry yes, but mostly (I think) they celebrate better days ahead. A time when beautiful clothes and perfume will be required. They do not represent homelessness, being cold in a park. Though not practical I agree with her choices. She taught me a thing or two about faith and positive thinking. She is not setting up to be a homeless person because she will not be and that is that.
I told her that I had noticed how she always looks wonderful and always smiles and greets people. I told her that I found her strength and faith inspirational and she was touched.
She was humble and grateful for the help I offered. But did not allow any of this to make her feel like a lesser being. Her dignity and self-image are miraculously intact. Her manners are excellent.
My final gift was money, twenty dollars and some change. After speaking with her for some time I understood that she would starve before begging. I'd offered her coffee or tea (something warm) but she's too health conscious to take in caffeine. She prefers water or orange juice. Mrs J is particular about what she eats. She loved the fruit and nut bars I had brought. I feel that she deserves the dignity of being able to choose what to eat and when rather than waiting for a hand out. A little bit of money and some nice clothes and perfume can do a lot to empower a woman. I know from experience.
Finally we said goodbye. We won't see each other again because she will have a home tomorrow. I put that thought out into the universe for her so that it may be. If you have a moment, send out a quick prayer for her.
For over a month now, I've noticed a homeless woman in the local park where I walk my dog. The first time I saw her I thought that she was traveling (she has a large suitcase with her) and on her way to a job interview - she was dressed in a smart beige suit and very well groomed. She looked like she was ready to take on the world and win.
She was there the next day, on the same bench. In a different outfit, looking lovely, with her suitcase. Then I noticed that she'd locked her suitcase to a fence with a metal chain so that no one could steal it from her. This seemed very odd.
Eventually I worked out that the park had become her temporary home. She was always well groomed and would smile at and/or greet nearly everyone in the park. She is young, attractive, her clothes are nice. It seemed that she'd hit a rough spot but would be on her feet in no time.
But time passed, weeks. Finally, this morning I approached her. I mentioned that it was getting cold and offered to get her a blanket from my home. We spoke for a while. She insisted that she was fine and that I shouldn't bother because she'd be off the streets by tomorrow. I asked if she'd contacted various shelters, she had but they were not helpful or to her liking. The name she gave me is Mrs. Jefferies. She's a fairly private person and so I didn't ask too many questions. I just wanted to help her in any way I could and did not want to pry. I don't know why she is homeless.
Mrs. J is attractive, intelligent and literate (we talked about books and I brought her some). She shared tips on grooming and vitamins with me. She is very dignified and polite. Her faith is enormous - she is certain that all will work out for the best and that God will provide. I could see how her faith was keeping her sane and strong during this difficult time. It is inspiring.
We discussed what sort of items she could use. She needs to be mobile, to look for work, a home and so on. Whatever I brought her would need to fit in her luggage and be worth carrying around.
At home I tried to think in practical terms about what would be of use to her. It was an interesting mental exercise. What would I need if I were homeless but had to carry everything I owned?
I brought her a variety of useful things. Some she accepted and others she could not use. What she chose was interesting. I expected that the blankets, warm jacket and hat would be priorities. She did not want them. She did take a book, perfume (2 kinds, one a small Givenchy- I could see that she is a woman of taste and I figured it would do much to lift her spirits) food, a handy water bottle with water, the more attractive sweaters and scarves were chosen(not the warmest). The paper towels were a hit as were the body wipes, moisturizer, vitamins and a book bag. The toothpaste was not her brand (and she assured me that she'd have a home very soon and wouldn't need it), same with the soaps (she had plenty).
It seemed that Mrs. J did not want to take things that I could use (soap and toothpaste).
As for the warmer items, they are bulky and she's absolutely certain that she will have a home very soon.
I understand why she chose the more luxurious items. They are easier to carry yes, but mostly (I think) they celebrate better days ahead. A time when beautiful clothes and perfume will be required. They do not represent homelessness, being cold in a park. Though not practical I agree with her choices. She taught me a thing or two about faith and positive thinking. She is not setting up to be a homeless person because she will not be and that is that.
I told her that I had noticed how she always looks wonderful and always smiles and greets people. I told her that I found her strength and faith inspirational and she was touched.
She was humble and grateful for the help I offered. But did not allow any of this to make her feel like a lesser being. Her dignity and self-image are miraculously intact. Her manners are excellent.
My final gift was money, twenty dollars and some change. After speaking with her for some time I understood that she would starve before begging. I'd offered her coffee or tea (something warm) but she's too health conscious to take in caffeine. She prefers water or orange juice. Mrs J is particular about what she eats. She loved the fruit and nut bars I had brought. I feel that she deserves the dignity of being able to choose what to eat and when rather than waiting for a hand out. A little bit of money and some nice clothes and perfume can do a lot to empower a woman. I know from experience.
Finally we said goodbye. We won't see each other again because she will have a home tomorrow. I put that thought out into the universe for her so that it may be. If you have a moment, send out a quick prayer for her.