Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of yet another pandemic holiday season. (If I were younger, I’d know how to insert an emoji of me banging my head against a wall in frustration.) Pandemic or no, we are always focused on homeless elders, and so two days ago we delivered our first hot meals of the season to the shelter in Port Townsend, Washington. The residents were happy to see me — but were especially happy for the meat loaf, and mashed potatoes and gravy from Safeway Food right there in town!
I did not have time to collect stories on Wednesday, so instead I will share the story of a woman I met earlier this year. We’ll call her “Imogene.”
Imogene is 58 years old, and originally from Alabama. She was one of 19 children (yes, you read that correctly), and did not have a good childhood. The parts of her story she wanted me to share are these: She is fighting to overcome her lifelong battles, and is teaching herself to read — finally. Imogene is staying locally with her sister, and her sister’s family, and has adopted a young Husky dog named Jack. She says Jack has “saved her life more than once.”
Imogene wants you to know that she is trying to improve herself and working hard to give herself a better chance for whatever life remains to her. She says she doesn’t want anyone’s sympathy, but that she is grateful for any kindness that others show her.
(Whenever I meet these old friends, I give them money for food out of my own pocket. Your donations go only to what I can account for, as that is my fiduciary responsibility to you, and to the trust you place in our work.)
Thank you, in advance, for continuing to support our work. The cost of food has increased for all of us this past year, so we are working hard to make the most of every dollar you can provide.
Stay safe, everyone, and we’ll be back in touch soon.
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