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To: Mo1
ALL of them.

I think most of the problems are from Kenya's friends and friends of friends.

She is a very sweet girl, and spent 11 of the last 12 years living on the street. Some of the people she had to associate with are flat out scarey! Being a goodhearted person, she is inclined to help them when and where she can, sometimes by cooking them a meal (the Homeless Thanksgiving Dinner we had was fantastic) or letting them crash here on a cold winter's night.

Many of these people just needed a chance to get off the street and get their lives back together. I don't begrudge them that. A surprisingly large number showed up later all cleaned up and clear of eye to thank me for all the help I'd been (!) when really it was more my trust in Kenya that gave them the nudge they needed.

For all the crap I've been through in the last year, it was worth it to KNOW that I have made a real difference in so many lives. I did so little, a place to stay a few days, a warm shower, and chance to do laundry. For some that was all they needed.

People who really want to improve their lives just need someone to give them a chance.

Now it's time for me to take care of me. I'm sure I will be seeing Kenya and Suzanne, and who knows who all else in the future. This way it can be as friends, with fond memories to share and treasure. A few more months and it would be ugly, better to make a clean break before the building stresses make ugly memories that overwhelm the good ones.

899 posted on 05/30/2002 6:17:33 PM PDT by null and void
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To: yall
Maudlin enough for ya? ;^)
900 posted on 05/30/2002 6:19:43 PM PDT by null and void
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To: null and void
"Now it's time for me to take care of me. I'm sure I will be seeing Kenya and Suzanne, and who knows who all else in the future. This way it can be as friends, with fond memories to share and treasure"

It sounds like you're getting a handle on it. Having been in that situation myself I know how important it is to know when to draw the line. It is very easy to get burned out and then you're no help to anybody. Besides, it can really cheat your kids of a sense of home when they're with you.

901 posted on 05/30/2002 6:23:35 PM PDT by sweetliberty
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To: null and void
Oh I see .. I just remember Kenya being one of the good ones .. and I understand what you mean .. better to make the break while still good friends

Oh geez .. I don't even know Kenya .. and I'm gonna miss her .. LOL

Are ya going to be able to handle all the quite???

908 posted on 05/30/2002 6:51:31 PM PDT by Mo1
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