Her Will

Yesterday I went to visit Linda.  She has been through a lot since I last posted about her.  She had left the shelters and moved into her own home in a government subsidized project.  In her new place, she had seemed happy, talkative and open.  

After about four months had past, her health deteriorated.  Linda’s neighbor had found her on the floor unresponsive.  She had been there for two days.  She is now living in a nursing home for the time being.  When I went to find her, a nurse had to point me to her as I did not recognize her.  She lost so much weight, her frame is skeletal and she is now in a wheelchair.  The nurses say she is not eating much.

She and I found a place in the dining hall that was quiet to talk.  We sat there in silence for a long time.  If I asked her a question, her response was yes or no without elaboration.  When I asked her how is her will to live, she put her head down, chipped at her worn nail polish, and slowly replied “it’s good.” I gave her some updates about my own life and she listened intently.

We continued to sit in silence. Linda seemed so tired....


I mentioned that Etta James had died.  She asked who was she.  I explained that James sang a famous song called  “At Last."  Linda looked at me blankly.  Then I played it on my phone.  She closed her eyes, she smiled knowingly and began to hum along....

At Last 

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Linda's Visit to the Eye Doctor

When I first met Linda she was squinting to see anything close-up, it was difficult for her to read.  Then she was referred to a special program at Operation Breakthrough that donates glasses to the needy.  Here she posed with her new glasses.

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Stories from Emancipation Station, A Day Shelter for Women; Linda

Linda helped with the chores by washing dishes at Emancipation Station, a day shelter for women.

Goodwill Industries is where Linda has gone twice a week since February to look for a job.

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Linda Has Searched for a Job Every Week Since February

Linda visited the local blood donation center, CSL Plasma, on Broadway.  Out of desperation, she looked for an alternative to earn money.  She has gone to Goodwill Industries to fill out applications for at least 3 jobs, twice a week, since February of this year.  She said she has not received one call back or response to her applications.

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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.