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Baker Beth's avatar

I was homeless for a time due to black mold. I lived in a friend’s RV with my husband, situated on another friend’s property. I taught online and wrote. My husband worked 80 hour weeks caring for an elderly gentleman who was quite ill. Never considered that we would be in that position. I was lonely, but I was grateful. I will never forget the people who made sure we had what we needed. Most of my family didn’t even know at the time because I was embarrassed.

Now that we have our own home and lovely property, we joyfully take in others when they need it. I try to hold on loosely to my home and physical things, and grasp tightly to those who actually make it home.

Thank you for your story. It’s a beautiful message for all of us.

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Hazel's avatar

I’ve (gratefully) never experienced a trauma like yours. I’ve lived in many homes in 3 countries. My family began in Scotland, emigrated to Canada then when I got married my husband and I lived in Los Angeles (Woodland Hills to be precise.) One significant earthquake and we were on a plane a week later back to Canada with our two small children (both under 2.) We lasted one year in LA. Presently my home is filled with my husband, three of our four children and my parents! Our Covid-19 confination was all eight of us together every single day for almost 2 years!! It was the best time of my life! My favourite quote of Walt Whitman is “We were together, I forget the rest.” That is my Covid memory. ‘Home’ is the people I love the most being together. Even if it’s just nearby and not under the same roof. It doesn’t even matter what or where the roof is. I’m always mindful that we could lose everything in a moment so I truly only treasure the irreplaceable people in my life. I know I’ll be ok without a house because we’ll always get another one, g-d willing. I cried reading your story, thanks for sharing it.

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