CARING counts
// February 28th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
WOW, this week was very busy for me and I could not have asked for a better way to end it then the way I have. The week was long and filled with lots of running around and paperwork that I needed to get done for my apartment, DPSS, and the application for the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV. In addition to all my personal things I needed to get done, I also had a very full week of outreaches as well.
Last week I learned that I was being recommended for a seat on the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV, I had spoken to the board last year when the HIV funding cuts were looming over the State. My Dr’s office has asked if I would speak and I was more then happy to do my part. So it is both an honor and very humbling to be considered for a seat on the commission. I said yes, I would fill out the application, but I had no idea of just how involved it was. The application was about 20 pages most of it was essay questions. Since I am always writing on my blog or other places where I have an online journal this task wasn’t too hard, however the time in which I had to do it was where the challenge came. I also had to get letter of recommendation, both personal and professional, this also proved to be a challenge for me and because I wasn’t able to get any personal letters and the fact that my printer ran out of ink just as I was printing my bio, combined with people not coming through with letter they said they would write, I almost gave up on finishing the application.
After speaking to my great aunt, she reminded me that I have never had a task before me that I was not able to finish, nor a situation that I could not resolve or get through. She reminded me in no uncertain term that my parents did not raise me to be a quitter and I wasn’t about to start acting like one just because things were not going as smooth as I thought they should. “Stay the course little boy and get this done or deal with me.” is what she told me. I said “yes ma’am” and went back to work on the application. Just when I had hit another wall I got a call from her asking me how things were and after speaking with her I figured out what I needed to do and I got the application finished and turned in. I will know in a month or two what the outcome will be.
Tuesday was a very busy day for me. I had my Unpluggin HIV outreach down on Skid Row and then I also had an interview for Conversations with Kengi on my YOUTUBE channel. I also needed to be back home by 3:30PM to turn in my service logs for the month. In addition to all of this I also had Do Something Kits that I needed to get out to some homeless people in my area. Since I was able to secure a donation from a new supporter I was able to make the kits and give them to homeless people.
Wednesday I met with my former case manager at AIDS Project Los Angeles to get a letter from her and to talk about how things have been going for me. As many of you know she was such a huge support for me when I was homeless and a massive help through some of the darkest points of being homeless. She is also someone who has been there for me when others have simply said they would be and then not come through when I needed them to……this is after they have also given me their word that I can depend on them. It was awesome to be able to see her and I was also able to take 3 of the 7 cell phones to her as well. The cell phones are apart of my “Stay-n-Touch” program that gives free gently used prepaid cell phones for people who are either homeless or battling HIV and AIDS or both.
From there I met with someone who I now work with one on one who has AIDS and needed some help with being able to get
clear information on their METRO pass, how to ride the train to the destination they needed to get to and some peer support in general. Although I should have been using this time to work on my application, I felt I really needed to also be there for this person because I know all to well what it is like not to have some support from someone when you need it most. I am glad I took the time to do this because this gave me a chance to get out of my space and be outside. It also allowed me so down time to clear my head and think about some of the questions on the application. More importantly it gave me the chance to once again stand in the gap for someone who is battling AIDS and was reaching out for help. Help that I knew would never come from traditional places. Sometimes we all just need to take a step back to “suit up and show up” for someone else. It also gave me the chance to work one on one with someone with a history of mental illness, homelessness and also battling AIDS. In the end it was great because I had a really great time helping and they had the chance to learn how to take care of things for them wit the support of someone who cares and was not about to make them feel silly or guilty for asking. I ended by day with a brisk walk with Dodger and then the rest of the evening I worked on the application.
Friday was yet another big day for me. Not only would I be turning in my application, but I would also be doing my first interview with someone who is a health care professional and would be speaking about HIV and AIDS. Since being diagnosed I have asked many people to sit down and speak with me, but each time the answer was “no” or “I have to think about it” but this wasn’t the case with the director of my HIV clinic. I asked back in December and he said “yes” and Friday after turning in the application I had the huge opportunity of interviewing him for my Conversations with Kengi segment on my YOUTUBE channel. This was the second Conversations with Kengi interview for the week and once again this one was awesome.
The interview went well and Nick was so awesome and clear with his answers and the information he gave was honest, true and came from a place of caring and a desire to provide information to those who will see the videos. Already the videos are getting awesome comments and people are thanking me for taking the time to do such an interview to empower and educate them on HIV and AIDS.
After the interview I was walking Dodger when I got a call that I was expecting to get from a professor at USC asking me if I would once again be interested in speaking to her class in the Department of Social Work. Naturally I said yes but I was also invited to speak to another class as well, so in March I will be speaking at USC and the Skirball Cultural Center. I spoke last year to her class at USC and was so excited when I got the email asking me if I would speak again.
Saturday was really supposed to be a quiet relaxing day for Dodger and I, but late Friday I got a call asking if I was free for
lunch on Saturday to help celebrate with my former nurse from the Rand Shrader Clinic at USC….the HIV clinic or 5p21 as it is more commonly called. Since the nurse is someone who like my former case manager was such a huge and vital part to my survival through being newly diagnosed with HIV and in many cases was the only person I could turn to for clear medical answers and advice with many of the things taking place with me health wise and since he is someone who I consider as a friend, I was more then happy to spend time with him and another patient of his helping him celebrate his victory.
This was so cool because it was cold and raining on Saturday and although I had planned to just spend the day with Dodger, I was so happy I had the chance to spend in the company of friends over a great lunch and very engaging conversations as well as many laughs. Both men are people I am hoping to profile on Conversations with Kengi very soon because they both can shed some awesome light to the HIV and AIDS conversation that really needs to take place from both a patient and care giver stand points. Something I feel and know would be so beneficial to all who watch.
Later Saturday afternoon and all night until bed on Saturday it was me and Dodger sitting on the sofa looking at TV and just chilling. I love how Dodger just likes to kick it and relax. It wasn’t long before both of us were having a snore contest and right as I would start to win Dodger would lick my face as if to tell me I am being too loud.
Sunday was the end to what was a great week for me…….long week of plenty of work for both me and doing work for others. I ended it in the park volunteering for Animal Advocates Alliance pet adoption in the Pan Pacific Park. This was the first time I was able to do this and I have been looking forward to doing it for such a long time. I was set to do a not long ago, but my car died on my the weekend I was supposed to do it. This weekend was a huge treat for me. I had the chance to take a friend from my building who has been asking me to help him get out of the house. So it was so cool to be able to take him with me.
We had a great time. I was teamed up with this awesome dog that was a pit-bull mix, but was such a little baby. Great dog
with a great attitude, but in need of a great forever home with someone or a family that will give him the love and attention he needs. As I got there and saw all the little dogs I so wanted and wished I could have another dog, but that just isn’t possible. So after seeing these cute little puppies I gave me niece a call because I know her and her husband are looking to add dogs to their happy home.
Once they got to the adoption she fell in love with a dog named “Snoopy” and after some talking with her husband they decided to take “Snoopy” home with them. However he had his named changed to “Chuck” since “Snoopy” was a name given to him this morning by the pound.
In all it was a great day volunteering for the adoption. Although my dog that I was teamed up with didn’t get adopted I was so happy that my family found a dog they just loved. I had the cool chance to introduce him to Dodger and they got to hang out and get to know each other while his new family had lunch at IHOP. I was able to take them both out for a long walk after they got to know each other and they both did so well on the walk. Now Dodger has a new little play buddy that he will see almost ever Monday since my niece and her husband are off from work on Mondays.
I also had the chance to hang out with Phillip and Lee as well as the rest of the crew from Animal Advocates Alliance. It is so cool to be able to find a place and a group of people who truly care about the work they do and this awesome love that they all share for the animals they care for, In many way what Phillip and Lee do for animals I do in m daily life for homeless people and those battling HIV and AIDS, I simply try to extend love, care and understanding where it is either greatly lacking or completely absent. Many times at the end of my days I am completely drained and there are those times I feel I should have done more even though I know that I had done all I could. Those days use to be spent here in my new place alone, left with the thoughts of me not doing enough to help, but now thanks to Dodger when I come home feeling like I have not done enough he quickly reminds me that I have done all I can and there are times when even people like me can’t do it all or reach out to all.
Having Dodger has been so awesome, he cheers me up and makes me smile even when I dont feel like it, he gets me out of
my house when I have sat working on a project for far too long and he will not let me be down about anything. In many ways he reminds me that I can only do so much and that what I do is far more then most will ever do in a complete life time.
So I ended my weekend with a group of people who really do pretty much the same things I do, but they do it for animals who have far less. I got to spend the day with people who care about the work they do and know that at the end of the day no matter what happens they have done all they can to protect something that is so special, so vital and so important in the grand scheme of things. It’s always funny to me how some people spend ever part of their days making excuses as to what they cant do, but then I get so inspired by being around people who simply do what needs to be done against all odds and no matter how many times they here “no” Nana (my great grandma) use to tell me that “no” is like a vitamin and that I should learn to enjoy taking my “no” vitamins because they will only serve to make me stronger and a much better person.
So how was your week and weekend?
This week has been pretty cool and has been filled with some special moments, but most of all they have been filled with getting to know someone who I think is pretty damn cool and has quickly become someone very special to me. I also had the chance to go down on Skid Row for my Unpluggin HIV outreach that was also very cool and once again thanks to the donation of a new supporter I was able to offer a great meal to the residents.
and small child clothes that will come in handy for a few families here in my building. The men’s clothing were also in awesome condition, most of them were sport coats and slacks with some button downs and casual clothes. The bonus of the clothes were the suits. Again, they are in great condition, they will go a long way in helping men living on Skid Row who are battling not just HIV and AIDS, but low-come and all the hardships of being sick with a limited income.
My Sunday was spent with my best friends Tina and Andy at Universal Studios to celebrate Tina’s birthday. I have never been to Universal Studios, so for me this was a real treat. Rain threatened fall on us, but that didn’t stop us from meeting up and having a great time and in the end all we ever felt was a few drops. There was even parts of the day where we saw and enjoyed the sun.
with places to eat, hang out and catch a movie. It is also jammed packed with plenty of neon lighted signs that make City Walk a neon sign makers dream. While walking we stopped in two candy stores, but only got goodies from one, before we finished out tour and then headed to the area where we waited for the tram to take us down to the train.
As I walked up the stairs and put my key in the door I head the little feet of Dodger running toward the door and as soon as I opened it up he was greeting me his barking and jumping up and down. I sat the bag I had in my hand down, closed the down and played with him right by the front door. He then ran into the apartment and grabbed his large and small ducks and began to play very ruff with them like he always does. He slammed them to the ground and then run over to me to get some kisses and pets and then back to the toy ducks. The funny thing is that I told my friend Leah that he was barking like he was cursing me out asking me what my problem was and to put his leash on before he just shits all over my apartment. We both got a great laugh out of that.
about an outreach or who needed to speak with me, not worried about who needed what, but only concerned about having a great time with my friends and then a sweet quiet night with my awesome dog Dodger.
I had this desire to take control of my week after some set backs earlier in the week, so I did just that. I took time out for me and then I ended my weekend trying to help homeless people and in doing so I was able to rack up over 20 miles in walking. How cool is that?
forward to the Sunday Dinner I had planned for homeless people and this outreach was possible because of a donation from another new supporter I was able to do another Sunday Dinner. In fact, thanks to this person meal was the second of three meals I have been able to provide.
The group of homeless men and a few woman that I have been able to help there for the about a year are people that I have come to really care for and even admire. They are people that make me smile and cheer me up and in one case they happen to me the very person who taught me how to remain warm on one of the coldest nights in February of 2007. He also made sure I had things to eat and even a sleeping bag, so in many way the people who I try so hard to serve down at Chess Park are like family to me.
my heart because I really to hear a word from the people I help that what I do really does matter to them. Dont get me wrong, I dont do what I do for praise or to feel good about myself, but it is nice to know that the efforts I make to help really mean something to the people I encounter. I guess you can say for me it is my way of making sure I am never anything close to the lousy agencies that are already in place to help homeless people and people living with HIV and AIDS. I always want to make sure that what I do really does matter and help the people I serve.
As I type this Dodger is right next to me sleeping, every now and then he kicks or bumps into me to try to get me to pet him. Normally when I sit down he jumps into my lap, but I think he knows what is in my lap right now is sort of important and he should wait until I am all done.
After my day to “escape” with Dodger at Griffith Park, we set out on yet another adventure and this time we made time to help people along the way. The before we encountered homeless people in the park and I wished I had taken some things to try to help them if they would accept them, so I made plans to do just that the very next day.
I had plans to go back to the park today to take lunch to homeless people, but time got away from me and now I will have to make plans to do this tomorrow which is cool because not only will I be able to take food I can also take Do Something Kits as well. Dodger might have to miss this trip, because I will be pulling my bike trailer and I dont want him to jump out while I am riding. I guess I am going to have to find a way to secure him in the back of the trailer so he is able to go along with me on the outreaches when I ride the bike.
contains travel size items that assist a homeless individual with basic hygiene needs such as shower supplies, oral hygiene items, socks, water, beanie and gloves. The Do Something Kit also contains either a granola, power or protein bar and sometimes things like a candy bar or sweet treats. I started passing these items out along the Santa Monica beach when I had an extra to homeless people. I later called them Do Something Kits after the name of the outreach Do Something Saturday~that empowers people. The grass roots organization and the Do Something Saturday outreach celebrated three years of service on February 3, 2010 and did a three year celebration outreach on February 6th 2010 along Santa Monica and Venice Beaches reaching out to homeless people with Do Something Kits and food.
After talking with the homeless people for a while Dodger and I set out to hike to the top of the mountain. I have not done this in a very long time and I was sure I would be able to do it, but didn’t know it would take less time then I thought. I figured I would have to stop a bunch of times for rest and to allow myself to recharge, but this wasn’t the case at all. I simply walked at a pace that was comfortable and didn’t try to rush or over do it. I was able to take some awesome pictures along the way, I was even able to send pictures to my friend Leah from my cell phone. This was another first for me.
the mountain they sort of server as a motivation to get you to keep going all the way to the top. Along the way Dodger and I saw much wild life and heard the chirps of many birds. Dodger even saw plenty of small lizards he might have otherwise had in his mouth if I didn’t have him on his leash securely anchored to my backpack.
We walked back down and as we came down Dodger wanted to explore the sides of the hill where the grass was tall and he heard as well as saw birds moving about. He seemed to have this energy almost like a kid that was finishing up his day of playground activities. Once back down where we started Dodger saw more squirrels and began to jump and bark. Right as we exited the park I sat on the grass with him and he sat right next to me and we enjoyed the sun for a bit before heading home.
small child after his bath he pulled his blue blanket off the top of the arm chair and went to sleep. This was my clue that it was time for my long hot bath and to burn some sage, ring my bell and say “thanks” for yet another awesome day.
It’s Thursday and I am once again happy to see that this week is coming to an end. For the most part it was pleasant, peaceful and centered for me. However this only came with a ton of prayer and meditation on my part.
to the gym to try to calm down and get my mind off what had happened, I also wanted to not be around my phone, my apartment or my computer so I would not have to deal with anyone or hear any problems other then the ones I was dealing with in my own life.
Once back from the gym and sitting on the sofa with Dodger my headache only got worse and trying to sleep was not an option, before I knew it time has passed and it was way after 4:30AM and my Sickle Cell was starting to bother me. I was in lots of pain and it was only getting worse. By 8:30AM I decided I go to a local E.R. I was there until after 12:30PM. After sitting the waiting room and not ever being seen by a doctor I simply walked out. I was still in some pain, but I knew I would simply have to deal with it, just like I do more the 95% of the time when it comes to my Sickle Cell.
few minutes my headache began to fade and my thoughts were only about having a great day walking with Dodger. I didn’t care about anyone and all the drama that was going on in their life and I certainly didn’t want to hear about it either. The walk towards Griffith Park was packed with people, cars and a ton of noise, but as soon as we walked into the park all of this began to fade and was replaced with the sounds of birds and Dodger barking at squirrels and other wild life he saw.
The park was awesome and with Dodger it was so easy to lost and explore. The cool thing was that I was with my buddy, my camera and me and there wasn’t anything on my mind other then me, Dodger and taking pictures. It wasn’t long before my headache was completely gone and my Sickle Cell pain was back where I could manage it. It is so amazing what taking a step back and getting in tune with yourself can do.
them to play with each other. This was the first time I saw Dodger really play with another dog and he wasn’t shy or afraid in any way. He was jumping and playing just like two kids tht decide to be friends on the playground and it was so good to see this. When we finally walked off Dodger was so happy and he was jumping on my legs. It was so cool to see that spirit in him. So I guess in a way the walk was awesome for each of us in very different was. For me is it was clearing my head and getting rid of weight and for him it was just being able to be the great dog he is and play with another great dog.
As I walked home with Dodger I thought to myself how I started my organization. I was homeless with nothing, not even a quarter in my pocket, but I decided that against all odds I could and would make a difference and there would be no plan B, turning back or quitting. No matter how bad things got for me….and they got pretty damn bad, I was not going to quit. I would not give up on me and I would not give up on doing all I could to help those in need as much as I could. I would not let anything or anyone stand in my way or tell me no or “you can’t do this”
myself to Chinese food for dinner and then went to the gym. My escape day was awesome and Dodger and I will be doing this more often and not just when things get to be too much. Taking them more often means I will not allow things to get to the place where I feel I need a break from people, but I will also no longer allow people to dump their drama in my lap especially when they wont even take the time to read my blog, watch you youtube videos or even call and ask me how I am doing and take the time to listen to how I am doing.
Wednesday was a great day for the most part, although it ended with me in what could have been a very bad car accident, thanks to my brakes going out without any warning whatsoever. Dodger and I walked away unhurt other then me…maybe Dodger too, being very shaken by the entire experience.
While I was there I had the chance to visit with Yvette, Donald and Tara and Donald shared that one of the guys was having a birthday and he would be going to get him a cake. He then invited me to join them and I agreed and said I would get some pizza. I knew I would be able to do this because Lee had given me a donation to help with the Kick Start meal program I have. Many time this takes place on the weekend in what I have called Sunday Dinner and most time it is for homeless people. However this time I would be able to help feed the residents as well as provide food for someone who is a very nice young man.
was not going to stop me and Dodger from the task of getting the food we needed for the birthday surprise. We also needed to get a birthday card as well. We could have went to Fresh and Easy which is closer to home, but they dont have the bulk prices that I would need which are available at Food 4 Less. So we stopped at Food 4 Less and once we park Dodger jumped into the back seat and got under his blanket, as if he were telling me “dont even think to ask me to get out in the rain with you.”
I did all the prep for the meal that night, so Wednesday morning all I needed to do was finish things and then fry the chicken. I cooked buttermilk fried chicken, potato salad and mac & cheese. I also made a video of the cooking for my Cooking with Kengi channel on YOUTUBE. The entire time I was frying the chicken Dodger was looking at me like “what smells so good and can I have some?” Once we loaded the car and made our way toward Downtwon LA, Dodger stayed alert the entire time. I think this was because he could smell the food in the trunk. We did have to make a few stops along the way to get two bags of beans from the Coffee Bean and Teas Leaf, Bed Bath and Beyond for a bean grinder and then a stop for soda for the party. We arrived on Skid Row about 1:15PM. Donald came out to help us unload.
bring some food with me since he didn’t seem to want to eat before we left home. I was glad I did this because he was all about trying to get the to the food that I cooked.
At the end of the day I asked the birthday boy and some of the residents if they would mind saying THANK YOU to Lee for allowing me to be able to do this, and just like I knew they would, they all said yes.
was around, so after speaking to Donald I simply went took a nap then and headed over to the gym.
February 3, 2010 marked 3 years since I created my organization and the main, most visible and respected outreach, Do Something Saturday and Saturday February 6, 2010 marked the 3 year anniversary outreach for homeless people in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. So much has taken place in the last three years and there was so much to celebrate, not just for the organization, but for me as well. I am glad I was able to celebrate in the company of two awesome friends and my amazing dog Dodger.
Something Kits to homeless people, but these plans had to be changed because of rain, in fact I almost had to change the date for the following weekend because it was supposed to rain all day of Saturday, but thanks to some prays we only got a little wet. It was dry for more the 95% of the outreach with the bonus of SUN at the end.
For example, since being in my own place I knew I would need to make certain that all my bills are as basic as I can have them. I do not have cable TV or any extras…..well I guess some people would call the internet an extra, but for me this is a basic need because without it I would be spending money going back and forth to the library or coffee houses to use wifi. I made sure all my bills were at the low income rate and all bills were with the exception of one, my bill from the DWP was always very high and many times almost didn’t get paid at all. Each time I called to see why my application had not been processed and why my rate was so high and each time I was told that they never received my application, even though twice I turned it in the the field off on the very same block where I live.
he gave in and had his supervisor come of the line.
After 5 trips to the 99 Cent Only Store and 3 trips to Target over two weeks, I finally had all the items for for the Do Something Kits I would be putting together. Now I just had to put all 73 kits together. This was going to be fun, but first I had to take Dodger for a walk and then head to Skid Row to meet with the case manager where I do my Unplugging HIV outreach. I also have to go to the doctor and the gym, so I knew I would not be doing the kits that night.
getting my pub table set up along with the two TV trays I have, I was all set, but I needed to get to the gym so I did some work, but saved the rest for Friday night. WOW was that a long night. Just like I knew would happen, at the last minute someone calls to say they can not purchase the items they said they would, she asked if I could go pick them up and she would give me the money back. I found this very funny because this person knows my money situation very well, they knew I would be unable to do that and even if I could it was already after 8:45PM and the 99 Cent Only Store would be closing in 15 minutes. KICK ROCKS!!!!!
The outreach was awesome and we got to spend time talking with people and listening to their stories. Everyone we encountered were very friendly and very appreciative of our efforts to assist them. One guy even said he didn’t need the Do Something Kit, but when Willow offered one of him scrumptious muffins he could not say no. After about 5 minutes of light rain, we walked down 3rd street where we were able to pass out more Do Something Kits to homeless people before we headed to Venice Beach where we walked along the board walk passing out the kits.
passed away, but as we walked toward him I knew exactly who he was. We talked with him for a while and after learning that he had just come from dialysis we tried to find things he could eat. I then offered to get him a slice of pizza and then noticed that we were right near a deli, so I offered a turkey sandwich. The quick thinking of Willow helped preventing us from giving him one of the granola bars made with a flour he can not have. Once we got to the store Eric offered to get the sandwich for “Woo” and this didn’t come as a surprise to me at all, that is just the kind of people Eric and Willow are. They purchased him a sandwich just they way he requested it and got him a bottle of vitamin water. This was so he could take his medication of a full stomach like he is supposed to. We talked a bit more and finished walking and passing out the kits that we had.
We ended the outreach and then went over to Abbott Kinney Boulevard where Willow and Eric got sandwiches from Abbott’s Habit and I got pizza from Abbott’s Pizza. We sat and got our lunch and enjoyed some awesome conversation before heading back to the car to head back to their place and then home for Dodger and I.
to be of service to those in need. Your donations helped me reach my goal and really makes a difference in the lives of all who received them. Thank you so much.
WOW, so it has been three years of Do Something Saturday and to think there was those who said it wouldn’t last three months, said it couldn’t last without their so called support, that buying burgers for homeless people was pointless and that providing Do Something Kits was not empowering. Well guess what? Not only has it lasted 3 years, but as long as there is life in this body of mine, this mission will move forward in love and respect for humanity, because at the end of the day, when it is all said and done, it is not up to those was say “you can’t help” it is not up to anyone other then me. All I have to do is trust and believe in the hearts and kindness of humanity that fully understand what I am doing and get involved for the right reasons, this mission will continue to serve people in need.
It’s almost 2:00AM and I cant seem to sleep. Maybe this is because I have been returning emails and also sending out emails trying to nail down things for my Unplugging HIV outreach that takes place later this month on the 17th down on Skid Row. I am also busy making sure the outreach for this weekend which will be the official celebration of the creation of my organization and the Do Something Saturday~that empowers people outreach.
Thanksgiving Day food boxes to low income families as well as provide a home cooked Thanksgiving Day dinner to people who are either low income or homeless. December was yet another month for outreaches to help those who are in need. The cell phone program is still going strong and my new Kick Start Meals has provided meal cards are well as Sunday Dinner for people who are homeless.
reach out to, there has been two people who have been there with me almost since the very beginning. It’s funny, when I think about 3 years of doing this, there are only two people who have been there with me for most of this incredible journey.
going, always helping me work through things, even in my darkest hour when I tried to kill myself Tina and Andy stood with me and refused to give up on me, even when I was ready to give up on myself. “We are right here Kengi and we are not going anywhere” is what I remember Tina telling me and for the first time in such a long time I felt like I had friends in my life again. There were plenty people around me, but Tina and Andy have been my friends, just like my sister and brother.
always have two people in my life that I can turn to and do so without hesitation, without guilt or shame and I know that they will be there for me with open arms. Not since my parents have I’ve been able to say this about anyone in my life.
I would like to take this time to say THANK YOU to all who have embraced what I have tried so hard to do, THANK YOU for your love support, donations, kind words, comments, emails and encouragement, THANK YOU for believing in what others called “stupid, foolish, backwards, worthless & dumb” THANK YOU for allowing me to share my story as well as the stories of others with you, THANK YOU for embracing the people I have tried to serve and restore dignity, respect and pride to.
