Glenn, thank you for this reflection and for your expression of humanity. This post touched me in so many different ways...
First, I have so much respect for you and Maria, and the loving decision you've made together. It's a decision that isn't easy, but it honors you both. As one of the rare few people who's done the work of evolving a marriage out of a union and into a deeper friendship, I know the many nuances involved. It's heavy, it's healing, it's commendable, and I support you both.
I have a B.A. in criminal justice and I was profoundly affected by the rates of recidivism, the lack of rights for the formerly incarcerated, and the absence of viable rehabilitation. At the time I felt overwhelmed, deeply saddened, and hopeless to help, so when I graduated I never did anything with that degree... I am thrilled to hear of your new position and look forward to talking with you about it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you're doing.
I often give money to the homeless if I have cash on me. In the winter I've been known to purchase socks and blankets and pass them out. This is one of my favorite non-profits - they employ homeless people and make coats that double as sleeping bags. It's a phenomenal organization:
Last year I started filling gallon ziplocks with things like granola bars, random snacks, chapstick, gloves, tylenol/advil, sharpies, gold bond powder, and the like, plus a $5 bill, and passing them out when I see someone with a sign on the corner. I was essentially homeless by choice for several years of my life, living happily and very simply in a tent, and though it was a conscious choice for me, I learned enough during that time to have compassion, understanding, and love for anyone on the streets. No matter how they got there, we are all one, we are all human, and everyone deserves the same level of respect and human decency...
I don't know that I've accurately expressed my feelings after reading this beautiful post, Glenn, but I hope you feel that my heart is in resonance. Sending hugs your way.
Many homeless chose to be homeless, some due to their drug use but many as they have mental problems and will end up in prison. Seems circular thought. More help is needed at all levels and much better mental help in jails. I wish you the very best in your next adventure.
WOW! Glenn, you hit this one way out of the park! I'd like for every politician to read this, particularly in light of the migrant ("refugee" is the better word) situation at the southern borders. Compassion and identification with humanity is far and away the path toward healing the present and co-creating a future where homelessness, etc. will be resolved.
Hi Glenn, I have taken the further step of befriending several of the folks begging in the medians. I found that they are people just like you and me. One guy in particular has been on my mind lately. Brian was the mayor of the corner of Coors and Montano. Seriously, he worked that corner daily like a slick politician to support his $100 a day habit. He died last winter. Cancer got him. He lived in bosque year around. His campsites have become a kind of holy ground for me these days as I wander past them.
As part of my practice, I walk around 10 miles a day. I often take off walking then catch a bus home. So I run into homeless folks regularly. Some are pretty scary, but I’ve found that they all respond quite well when you treat them as you would like to be treated.
Anyway.
This nonprofit you mention interests me. I’m retired and looking for purpose. Looking for a place to offer my time, talents and energy to help make a real difference. The whole dirty hands and feet thing. So please let me know about this nonprofit and how I can get involved.
Glad to hear about your journey, was wondering about you and Maria. I agree, giving with compassion is an exchange of energy, and affirmation to the receiver that they are human. Best Wishes
Glenn, thank you for this reflection and for your expression of humanity. This post touched me in so many different ways...
First, I have so much respect for you and Maria, and the loving decision you've made together. It's a decision that isn't easy, but it honors you both. As one of the rare few people who's done the work of evolving a marriage out of a union and into a deeper friendship, I know the many nuances involved. It's heavy, it's healing, it's commendable, and I support you both.
I have a B.A. in criminal justice and I was profoundly affected by the rates of recidivism, the lack of rights for the formerly incarcerated, and the absence of viable rehabilitation. At the time I felt overwhelmed, deeply saddened, and hopeless to help, so when I graduated I never did anything with that degree... I am thrilled to hear of your new position and look forward to talking with you about it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you're doing.
I often give money to the homeless if I have cash on me. In the winter I've been known to purchase socks and blankets and pass them out. This is one of my favorite non-profits - they employ homeless people and make coats that double as sleeping bags. It's a phenomenal organization:
https://www.empowermentplan.org/the-coat
Last year I started filling gallon ziplocks with things like granola bars, random snacks, chapstick, gloves, tylenol/advil, sharpies, gold bond powder, and the like, plus a $5 bill, and passing them out when I see someone with a sign on the corner. I was essentially homeless by choice for several years of my life, living happily and very simply in a tent, and though it was a conscious choice for me, I learned enough during that time to have compassion, understanding, and love for anyone on the streets. No matter how they got there, we are all one, we are all human, and everyone deserves the same level of respect and human decency...
I don't know that I've accurately expressed my feelings after reading this beautiful post, Glenn, but I hope you feel that my heart is in resonance. Sending hugs your way.
Many homeless chose to be homeless, some due to their drug use but many as they have mental problems and will end up in prison. Seems circular thought. More help is needed at all levels and much better mental help in jails. I wish you the very best in your next adventure.
WOW! Glenn, you hit this one way out of the park! I'd like for every politician to read this, particularly in light of the migrant ("refugee" is the better word) situation at the southern borders. Compassion and identification with humanity is far and away the path toward healing the present and co-creating a future where homelessness, etc. will be resolved.
Hi Glenn, I have taken the further step of befriending several of the folks begging in the medians. I found that they are people just like you and me. One guy in particular has been on my mind lately. Brian was the mayor of the corner of Coors and Montano. Seriously, he worked that corner daily like a slick politician to support his $100 a day habit. He died last winter. Cancer got him. He lived in bosque year around. His campsites have become a kind of holy ground for me these days as I wander past them.
As part of my practice, I walk around 10 miles a day. I often take off walking then catch a bus home. So I run into homeless folks regularly. Some are pretty scary, but I’ve found that they all respond quite well when you treat them as you would like to be treated.
Anyway.
This nonprofit you mention interests me. I’m retired and looking for purpose. Looking for a place to offer my time, talents and energy to help make a real difference. The whole dirty hands and feet thing. So please let me know about this nonprofit and how I can get involved.
John
Glad to hear about your journey, was wondering about you and Maria. I agree, giving with compassion is an exchange of energy, and affirmation to the receiver that they are human. Best Wishes