So Thankful to be alive and loved
Ten years ago, I was homeless in Minneapolis. The day before I was thrown out of the house where I was staying, I started talking to a woman I met on Facebook. We talked online and by phone for two years before she flew to Minneapolis to meet me for the first time.
She came to see me in early March 2017. The following November, she arranged for us to meet in Philadelphia, where I met some of my future in-laws. Two years later, she bought me a one-way ticket to South Carolina.
We were married in our church on Sunday, September 10, 2017. We’re still together and going strong. Homelessness isn’t fun. It was a sad and lonely time, at least it was for me.
After my mom died in 1994, I lost most of my joy. My mom loved Christmas and Thanksgiving and I couldn’t enjoy the Holidays after she passed away.
Falling in love with Olivia and being accepted by my new family changed all that. We celebrated at home this year. It was Olivia and me, and no one else. I’m blessed to have a loving wife and a roof over my head.
I know times are rough for a lot of people; it‘s not easy for Olivia and me, but we’re hanging in there. I’m thankful and I’m Blessed. I believe with all my heart that God is looking out for me now like he was when I was homeless. I’m grateful for all he has done for me.
If you’re surrounded by a loving family like I am, I’m happy for you. Please don’t take them for granted. No matter how bad things are going, they can get worse. If you have a family to help, that’s a priceless thing to have.
This Holiday Season, as you enjoy being with friends and family, don’t let it get you down, but remember that it all can be gone in an instant. Don’t take your life for granted and love your family, and if it’s possible, forgive and mend fences because life’s too short.
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