I've been watching on the news, they say at this point in the year, compared to other years, there are about 50% more fires. It is concerning because these fires are doing things that are not typical...like catching cars on fire. Let's hope no other unpleasant surprises arise.
There is one lady that has been panhandling and you can see the look on her face. One of those two possibilities I would guess fit her to a T. The look on her face...she looks depressed and lost. It is really a sad sight.
You know, I was trying to think of some sort of remedy also. I think we as a country could curb some of this issue as a whole. Can you imagine if every person in this country donated just $1 a year, how many shelters could be built? Something that small could make a big difference. Maybe with the internet now as a tool, this might be an actualization somewhere down the road.
Interesting story and I appreciate you shedding some light on how somebody can end up in similar situations.
From personal experience, I know some family members seem to come across as trying to be controlling, but I think they feel they are trying to look out for one out of love. They fail to see that everyone is entitled to live their lives the way they feel is adequate. It is great to hear you had somebody to fall back on when times got tough for you...also, congrats on making your life work for the last 20+ years.
I was told once, meeting the wrong woman can make your life a living hell. (I know that goes for meeting the wrong man also). I take your story as a great learning lesson.
I would like to have thought by giving this guy a couple of bucks that he would have a warm cup of coffee in the morning. I am sure I am just looking at it from what I would have done in his situation.
What a terrible situation in the Philippines. It is sad enough to see adults homeless because one would think they made their own choices to be there (in one way or another); but, to see the children in those same circumstances....that is too bad. I am not sure how I would feel also in a similar situation as you shared...desperate people do desperate things. :(
Thanks for sharing your post. Many of your comments have answered some of the unknowns I had. Regarding the convicted criminals, it is difficult to know for sure if they have been reformed for society or not. I guess it is just easier for them to be avoided in general. But, that is not fair for the ones who have been genuinely reformed.
I remember hearing a story about that one time, about requesting one's criminal history on job application forms. It is very difficult for a convicted criminal to find decent jobs. That can be a very tricky area for any employer and again, unfair for the genuinely reformed criminal who can be discriminated against. I would like to think if somebody did their time, they paid their debt to society. Maybe I am just being naive.
I can see you doing that (giving the food), with the good heart you have. Maybe you are right, maybe trying to discover the whys is not important...maybe just being around for them is what counts. The next chilly night, I will make sure I wear a second shirt. :)
However, I wonder if there is any sort of common underlying problem that can help prevent people from resorting to this type of lifestyle....especially the ones that do not want to be living that way. Who knows, maybe there are not many out there who do not mind living that way. I often wonder how sitting down with somebody (or many) and talking with them and getting their story would be. Hmm....not sure if that would be a good idea or not.
I would think there has to be programs out there that would keep people in small apartments and living on their own, rather than choosing to live on the streets. The older guy I seen, I can imagine he is probably getting a social security check. The way I think, I just cannot grasp why somebody would accept that sort of life. But...I suppose they have their reasons.
That is exactly what I thought when I seen him laying out in the cold weather and his head on the cement....what a luxury it is to have a warm bed. It certainly gave me more of a perspective on my life...and hopefully to others as well.
I find it so frustrating to see people (especially ones you deeply care about) self destruct and they seem to have no idea on how much they are hurting themselves. But, they are human and have feelings too. I think it is important to understand them and help them to see the positives in life and the good within themselves. Hopefully in time, they recognize their self destructive behaviors.
I suppose I am fortunate to come from a large and very close family. There never really has been a thought in my mind about being in a similar situation because I would like to think that my family would be there for me in a time of need. However, I can easily see where if somebody does not have anyone to fall back on, it could easily be anyone of them. Who knows, under the perfect circumstances, it could be me as well.
With the way the world is going right now and our financial institutions have a large failure....it might be all of us.
I have never heard one of those talk before....pretty close to a human's voice. I was fascinated by that...in fact, I had to watch the Clover video too.
I'm telling you Robert, there is no more exhilarating feeling than sliding that VHS cassette into the player, knowing one of your old time favorites is about to start. Or, maybe I lead just that boring of a life?
Well Robert, I heard the National Movie Counsel wanted to play this movie along with The Man in the Mirror, for a blockbuster double feature. Just let me know if you want me to get you tickets again.
L.L., let me guess, you are one of those women that will point a loaded gun at somebody. Don't feel ashamed, any guy who holds that against you doesn't deserve you.
You are so right...a lot easier to say than do. But if one is aware of them and can catch themselves in the middle of doing them or even after, eventually, it will become second nature. You might just be the next Saint.
California in trouble?
That is for sure Cham....this drought is really raising risks out there.