The Road

My career was raging. Then I had a lull. What next, I wondered. My Dad sent me a small book of quotes during that time. It was called, "The Road to Success is Always Under Construction." I opened the book only a couple of times. But it lived on my desk, it's title helping me go where I needed to go. My career picked up again.

It's been like that for my friend in Austin. After a month of sleeping in the bushes there with a case of shingles and only foods with capsacin to ease the pain, he rode the rail and somehow that experience took him where he needed to go. He found a room in a home an "Asian grandmother" had for rent. The neighborhood is safe, he said, though next to one filled with violence. All amenities are included along with electricity, cooking gas, water, and garbage collection, and he can store his trailer on the property. So, my friend has settled in comfortably.

Success is sweet.

From my friend I now hear about movies and cable TV programs he's enjoying, instead of how the drunks and crack dealers are stealing his stuff or aggressive about sharing themselves with him, and then assaulting him with verbal abuse. Relief and gratitude fill his every word and tone. He is lonesome, his friends are everywhere but near him, but he landed well. He is breathing, in and out, in and out, in and out. Looking around at what survival looks like at this point in his life.

My friend moved into the house April 1. It feels long-term to me. I have told him of your generous offers to send him books. Through the phone wires I can "see" him light up. You are making him feel recognized, and you are acknowledging his intelligence. You are feeding his entire being with your generosity. Please start packing.

I do not wish to post the address or my friend's name here, however. Please contact me directly for that information. If you attempt to post a comment here, it will come to me for moderating and I will get back to you if you include contact information. I will keep that confidential.

Thank you for your support.

If you still wish to send a book, please drop me a note.