Tin Roof

Monday, November 25, 2013

Material things....What are you thankful for?

Thursday is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States.
We are one of the richest countries on the planet, 
with a per capita income of $43K, and a GDP of $16585B dollars in 2012.
Yet, 42.6M people, or 15% of the population lives in poverty.

http://rt.com/usa/us-food-percent-emergency-612/

As we stuff ourselves full of turkey with all the traditional fixins' in a few days, in a warm house, enjoying time with family and friends, take a moment to think of those less fortunate. The homeless vet that may get a hot turkey dinner, but he can't eat in peace or go for seconds because he must hurry to make a space for the next person. Or the homeless person that will NOT venture into a soup kitchen or warming shelter because his BELOVED companion, his faithfully loyal dog, is NOT welcome inside. When a dog means more to you in terms of comfort and friendship than people do- you protect them with every fiber of your being, just as they would for you. Unconditional love of a dog is worth it.

I would like to find somewhere local to help, it's been nagging at me for years. I too, was homeless once, stayed in a city shelter for families for six months with my three children, all under the age of five. I didn't have it as bad as most homeless do though, I had transportation, so I was able to go to my parent's house for Thanksgiving. The various local food banks blessed us with a frozen turkey with everything to go with it, but the small communal kitchen facilities weren't conducive for optimal preparation. Luckily, we were allowed to store the donations to take to our eventual new homes. I would have lost my children had we had to stay in the car or on the streets. The only time I have ever had to sleep out in below freezing temperatures, was the time I chose to for a Boy Scout campout.  
But I HAD a Choice.

      
 


No comments:

Post a Comment

Input welcome, as long as it is in good taste and not rude.