One down. One to Go!!!

I guess you could say that was a very proud moment for me. My mother, my son, my sister and niece were there to share in this moment with me. They have been imperative to me getting this far and I am sure that before I complete my BSW they will be pushing me some more. I won't sit here and say that I haven't had some amazing Professors and fellow students along the way, because I have. They have been great motivators, and realists for me along this journey as well. But the one thing that drives me the most is my desire to let others see that all people are not cold hearted and unwilling to to see that bad things happen to good people. Whether by choice or past mistake. I haven't updated in a long time because I chose to ensure my education came first, right along with my son. And realized I am not super woman, I can't do it all. I am not my Mother. She will disagree with that, as I think all mothers would. But she is my Rock. I have recently been off my feet having foot surgery, and have been making baby blankets.
         I watched a movie the other night on the UP channel. I almost didn't watch it but something made me sit there and learn these people's stories. The movie was called "A Cross to Bear." In this movie a child grew up with an alcoholic mother and she learned life's lessons in this manner. She grows up to try and achieve a dream of her own only to find a man, and begin drinking and eventually becomes pregnant, as she realizes this she is kicked out, the boyfriend moved on without her, which happens to many. She becomes homeless and has the baby, I won't tell you the whole movie lets just say it has some tragic circumstances that bring her to a home for women. She learns to become independent, face her past and move on as life continues to move us. I guess my lesson in this movie is although tragic and horrifying as it was we all have our cross to bear, and the past molds us into the people we are or have become. But someone should be helping these people know that our past does not define us. We ALL make mistakes and from those mistakes we must move on, even if it is in a different direction then that we initially intended to go. I will be doing my best to post more frequently. Although classes start back in August. Thanks to all those who frequent this page, any prayers would be greatly appreciated.

After reading A Far Cry from Home by Lisa Ferrill I was down trodden. Wondering as a person what can I do when there are so many agencies in the country that can do things for the homeless when I am but one person. In lieu of the recent tornadoes that hit so close to home in Kentucky, West Virginia, and here in Ohio. I have had some thoughts that were quite unsettling to me. Unsettling in the avenue that so many people reach into their hearts, and their wallets to try to help these people that tragedy has happened upon. In the back of my mind I wonder where are these people  when the man on the corner has nothing to eat, the woman has no idea where she can rest without repercussions. The child begging for a scrap from a plate of a stranger, not caring what may entail in sharing a meal with a stranger. What drives these homeless people to madness? Where is the helping hand to them? Tragedy has stricken them just as hard. But because they are living on the streets has it become acceptable? Have people become so complacent that they are what they are, but the victims of a disaster are more deserving? I don’t understand how the mind works. We as a people, a giving band of people should also consider those living on the streets with nothing to eat. With these disasters there has been more numbers added to the homeless, now our concern lies there? I just don’t get it. I had been having doubts about the role I could play as a social worker, about what one person, me, could do to help others and possibly make a change for others. These people have faces and they have names. What kind of person would I be if I allow the thoughts and actions of others make me complacent, in my thoughts and love of others. I am stating now for all who care to read this. One person can make a difference and that one person can be me, you or anyone else that chooses to stand up and be a part of this would not just an observer. I am not merely saying this because I think that people need to give money, when so many of us have very little. What I am suggesting is that if you have an hour or two, volunteer. Take the time to get to know these people who have also had tragedy passed on to them. Regardless of there reasons they are there now and they too need our help. Won’t you open up your mind and allow thoughts to sink in that that one day that could be us. Imagine how nice it would be to just talk to a person without stares and accusations about what happened to you, how did you end up here. Maybe a how are you, would you like to tell me a little about yourself? To some these may just be ramblings of one person and it may not touch anyone but if one person is compelled to step up, and step out, then it all is worth it. I once thought that I didn’t fit into the pretty little box portrayed by so many in the Social Work field. Maybe not but I have learned one thing and decided something for myself. If I don’t fit into your box I will make my own box, and do what I can from there.

Just another update....

I just wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten my mission. I have been focusing on my schoolwork and trying to be a better mother, but I also have been reading books about homelessness, and let me tell you it is such a situation that makes me rethink everything, not in a bad way. But it has made me try to think of other ways to help. The last book I read was published in 1990 and even then the waiting list for low income housing was 18 years long. Can you imagine? Can you imagine how hopeless these people feel knowing that they will probably die before an opportunity, to live in their own apartment opens up? I can't. So maybe if all the Rich people across the country could stop focusing so much on the all mighty dollar and focus on the people of this country, we could build housing projects or more shelters. Or offer others the opportunity for a hand up before it comes to them being on the street. Just a couple thoughts.........On my way to school, have a couple tests and papers due, so wish me luck. Maybe if we all thought about homelessness and other things just a few minutes more, and if we think outside the box we can come up with some solutions, and put a dent in the problem not just a band-aid..

Sharing a few pics.

Here is the pics I promised and a sampling of the 40 throws we bought for the homeless.

Hoping to give some warmth.

Sewing while on Christmas break

While I was home on break from college my mom and I did a little sewing for the babies
there is 67 fleece Newborn hats completed, 10 Preemie fleece sleep sacks and 19 Newborn fleece sleep sacks completed. Lots more cut out and a lot more to cut, so, hopefully before we can get to those before next break in March or May. LOL Thank you for following and I hope to have a little more time to keep everyone updated as to what is on the agenda. Oh, I almost forgot, Mom and I also purchased 40 fleece blankets when they were on clearance after Christmas. So there will be at least 40 more homeless people with their own throw. I do have an idea and I would like your input if you wouldn't mind. Just leave a comment if you can. I know that many college kids get new backpacks for each semester, a waste of money but hey who am I to judge? What if they could donate them and then I fill them with a blanket, hat and scarf. and possibly any other items we can fit, that way the people have something to keep with them not just a wal-mart bag. Make sense to any one else besides myself?  I will be posting pictures tomorrow of the blankets, hats and sleep sacks. Have a good day and remember people need a helping hand year round, not just at Christmas time.

Just an update....

      I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here, just been very busy, with a heavy course load in college, an eight year old son, and of course the holidays. Not to mention that I have had Shingles. My focus is and will always be charity work, I hope to be able to do more during our Winter break, which is only a month. And in that time I will be helping my mother and her favorite charity Gods Tiny Angels. We will be making baby cocoon's, or sleep sacks, hats , and blankets. Unfortunately they are homeless too and Charity knows no boundaries. So in closing I hope that everyone continues to give freely and openly to their favorite charities. I also hope to be able to update my blog with pictures after next week. Wish me luck to keep my 3.25 GPA. LOL

Finally.........A box to send, and one more on the way.

We have a box I am sending out in the morning to the Bridge and Beyond,  It has 50 hats and some travel containers so people can carry around some necessities if they choose. This picture is of 29 scarves mostly double strand crocheted, some single strand. 5 double strand hats and a pair of booties. Its just a start and as soon as they are washed they will be on their way as well. I know many will stay a little bit warmer, and hopefully know in their hearts that someone does care. Just an update......I approached My college's Social Work student council about collecting food and items for the homeless. There is a City Mission in Huntington, West Virginia that my mother and I also try to help and I pleaded with them that since it is getting colder outside, if we can help the mission with food items and possibly socks, gloves, and hats. More will stay warmer as the mission doesn't have room for all and some are on the streets. From what I understand we will begin collecting non-perishable food items in November first of December. I am excited to see others willing to help as well. The great thing is they are not just considering helping during the holidays but in January and February when others forget about doing good. It makes me proud to be a member of the college. I will be crocheting more scarves and saving my money for more hats. Please keep active in your area and if you can, help other areas too. In these times with so many losing their jobs we need to remember that it could be our family out there on the street. If you can't crochet, donate money, food, socks, anything others need to stay warm. I also again want to apologize for not posting as often as I should but, being a single parent, and going back to school, is a hard undertaking at 39. I know I just told my age,  LOL. Oh well. I am honored to be able to help others in any way possible and hope to continue, and to keep encouraging others to do so as well.