I am living in a homeless shelter.
But this is better than living on the streets. My fears of homelessness are now gone because I have done so much research that I know that I can survive.
A man was kicked out tonight. He says it was because he gave a needle to another resident but others say he is always drunk. Well, he is. The day we shot his portion of my documentary he had 3 beers and one shot of alcohol.
He offered me a shot and I said, “It’s the middle of the day. Whatever feeling you want me to experience, I have no desire for it.”
“It’s not a feeling I’m trying to experience,” he said. “It’s something I’m trying to maintain.”
When I meet drug addicted individuals it is enough for me to not want to drink or do any drugs. yes, getting high was fun back in college but I see it as an escape mechanism to get out of life early.
We’re already killing ourselves with chemicals in foods and everyday household items. Smoking and drinking just does it faster.
I am grateful to be here. I am grateful for doing this project even though nothing good has come of it yet.
I am grateful everyday because I am a journalist again even though I do not have a paycheck. I am grateful that I am alive and I am smart and I have sons who love me.
I would love a bed and a nice clean shower and a hug but for now, I am okay with things the way they are. I am safe. I am okay.
I’m okay.