not just to be homeless, but to ASK for help. We are taught from childhood to be self-sufficient, to "pull ourselves up by our bootstraps," as it were. But, when you have no bootstraps, asking for help becomes a grim necessity if you are to survive. This does NOT make it any easier to ask. To have to ask, when you have NO resources, how very difficult must that be?
I have spent the last five weeks bedridden due to sciatica, a perniciously painful physical malady about which I knew nothing until it disabled me entirely. I woke up this morning filled with extreme anxiety and nausea because my GoFundMe campaign has netted me less than a tenth of what I need to recover financially, and returning to work is unlikely for at least another week. I keep trying not to succumb to this anxiety, and to remain hopeful and upbeat. It's challenging, to say the least. I keep reminding myself that the pain is significantly reduced, and that this too shall pass.
So many people herein have expressed condolences, and sincere wishes to help, but they are in similar dire straits, financially and with regards to their health. So many millions of us are struggling simply to make ends meet and to maintain a meager household, with the specter of a single medical or financial crisis looming in the backs of our minds. One single crisis, and all of our "bootstrap" efforts are for naught. I had no idea what is sciatica until I couldn't stand, sit, or lay flat without excruciating pain. I cannot begin to imagine what it's like to be in such dire straits, AND not have a home or a shelter from the storm.
I have always helped the homeless people I encounter, and I always will. I've carried food and fruit in my car, and I've given money whenever I can. I hope that more of us will escape the bonds of judgment, and help our struggling brethren. We HAVE to have each others' backs!
Edit history
= new reply since forum marked as read