Linda

I first met Linda at The Emancipation Station, a day shelter for women.  Linda has been homeless since February.  She has been living in shelters from month to month.  Her only income is a few dollars support every week from her brothers and sisters.  She has been hunting for jobs weekly through Goodwill Industries and other organizations with no success.   After a relationship dissolved at the beginning of the year Linda became homeless at 47 years old.  She has an 19 year old daughter and a 2 month old grandson.  

The women at the day shelter describe Linda as a little lady with a big voice.  They enjoy her infectious loud laugh.  When others have a story to tell, she is the one who listens.  Linda is known to help women with their children when they need it and with getting chores done around the shelter.  

Recently, Linda has been diagnosed with Emphysema and COPD.  She has not laughed much in the last couple of weeks and has been in and out of the emergency room several times.  When I saw her Monday, she was very sick, was unable to do anything, very quiet.  

One would think she has a death wish because, despite her diagnosis, she continues to smoke.  She said smoking calms her nerves and her addiction to menthol cigarettes, the least expensive in the neighborhood, is "rough."  The doctor recommended the patch, but she cannot afford it.

Linda took a break for an emergency inhale of medicine at Kitty's Restaurant near the Emancipation Station.

In giving thanks this Thanksgiving, I want to recognize Linda, for being a genuine and beautiful person.