Like the deeply wounded Blanche DuBois, being homeless has meant that I’ve had to rely on the kindness of strangers – and many friends – to get by. But unlike Stanley Kowalski, rather than suffering bottled up rage and frustration that he felt about his life before exploding, I have been fortunate to see the basic goodness in people.
Especially people here at Kos.
I cannot thank each of you enough. I was totally blown away by the Kos community’s response to the call for help put out last Saturday by ShoshannaD. Some 75 people contributed nearly $2,000 by PayPal and Western Union – and that’s not counting people who posted comments saying that they’d be sending a check or money order. Just as important to me were comments posted by Kossacks who sent along their good wishes, encouragement, offers of a place to stay if I was near their city, and even an offer to provide a foster home for Prince, my Golden Retriever.
Then, late Saturday afternoon when ShoshannaD was totally - and understandably - fried after spending eight hours running the event, UnaSpenser offered to step in and run the event on Sunday for ShoshannaD – who was totally, and understandably, fried.
For the first time in months, I have a feeling that maybe things will start to turn around for me.
On Monday, a friend told me I could stay at their place for a week or two so I won’t be scrambling to find a bed every night.
On Tuesday, a Kossack contacted me privately to offer a free lance writing gig. No kidding! It’s not a big assignment but it’s something and working on it lets me feel productive, as well as putting a few extra dollars in my pocket.
Thanks you all of you, I was able to begin looking for a room or small studio apartment to rent that would reunite me with Prince. I went to a no name-no frills grocery store and picked up some fresh vegetables and other perishables that food banks don’t provide.
Your generosity has touched me in so many ways – not just your generosity in terms of the cash you donated but especially of your spirit. You certainly lifted mine.
And this weekend had me thinking of something else, as well: The difference between liberals and conservatives.
When ShoshannaD put out a call for help, the community of progressive liberals here responded at once. It’s in our nature. But I cannot imagine conservatives over at Red State or other right wing sites doing the same thing, where the underlying philosophy has become “I got mine and you can get screwed!”
I can’t pay anybody back but I promise to pay your kindness forward. I am in the process of writing a book based on the series of diary entries here and, if a publisher if found - two small publishing houses, one on each coast has expressed some very preliminary interest - and a deal signed, I've pledged to donate a portion of any advance and royalties to homeless organizations.