Being homeless - Night 1

I am going to be writing about what it is like to have no home and to sleep in my car. This hasn't been easy for me to digest, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to survive.

Night one- I left work tired and exhausted. All I wanted was a pillow and a comfy place to sleep. Then I realized that what I wanted was not there for me to endulge. We take for granted the little things on life that make us happy. I walked to my car and stared and the suitcases and boxes in the passenger seat and back seat. Taking a long deep sigh, I turned the key in the ignition and started the car. I drove around for about 10 minutes and finally decided that parking in a well lit gas station that was open 24 hours would be my best bet. I found a nice corner parking spot next to the dumpster under a street light. I proceeded to move the small suitcase from the back seat to the drivers seat and pulled out a pair of cotton pajama bottoms and a tshirt. Carefully looking around to make sure there were no people around, I changed into my pajamas. I took my pillow from the trunk and nestled it in the corner of my back seat, I rolled both window down just enough to let some air circulate through the car. I then positioned myself in the fetal position and pulled my hoodie over my body and closed my eyes.

All I could think of was the foul odor coming from the dumpster and that cricket that sounded like he was right under my pillow chirping. A couple of cars came through and parked not to far away to go inside and get something then left after their purchases. I moved around a little more as the seat belt was jabbing me in the back so I moved it into the seat hoping it wouldn't come back out. After about an hour of a dazed sleep, I awoke to the beep of a truck backing up a few spaces down from me. I threw the hoodie over my head in order to block the annoying beep I was hearing.

Another hour passed and I thought to myself, "why is this happening to me'?" I am a good person, raised my kids to know right from wrong, helped a friend whenever I could, yet, I am in this position. Sleeping in my car, trying to make a better life for myself. Sigh. At about midnight my phone went off. A friend had asked fi I had found a place to crash yet, come crash on my couch please. I feel bad you don't have anyplace to go. We talked for a few moments, as I have not known this person very long. I did not want to impose on them. A few minutes later we agreed that I could use their couch for the night.

It took me about 15 minutes to get there. I found the door and knocked on it. Smiling I thanked them again for letting me stay there. Waiting for me were a towel and a washcloth and a pull out bed. I grabbed my pillow and placed it on the bed. Thank you again! I didn't hear them leave this morning. I must have really been tired. I proceeded to shower, get dressed and made the bed.

There are people in this world that even know you haven't known them a long time have a good heart. This person will have good kharma coming their way even if it was only 8 hours that was given to me. As I sit in the break room typing this a small smile came to my face,knowing there are people out there who truly have good hearts and even if they haven't known you for a very long time, they feel the need to help someone in their time of need.

Maybe tonight I will pick a different spot not so close to the dumpster and that cricket. To be continued....