Hope Found Me

Written for my friend, Stoney!

Hope Found Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wish that I could tell you that this story was made up or someone else's, but it is mine and it is true.

 

In the winter, five years ago or so, I became homeless after a co-worker and a friend tried to kill me; he went to prison for four years.  My sentence to homelessness lasted three very cold months.  I lost my home, my car, my job, my boyfriend, my family, and my youngest daughter.

 

At 2:30 p.m., a friend took me to a homeless shelter (called Harmony House) in a strange town to me, Mansfield OH, a town covered with snow.  Around 5:00 a.m., the next icy morning, I had a job at Labor Ready, a block away.  At Labor Ready, you get paid cash, daily, after standing in line at 4:30 a.m., in the frigid air.  And, being one of the few whom could pass the drug test, I was in like Flint.

 

I, being a fifty year old woman, didn't find a job there, everyday.  So, I went to the library computers and was trying to pass the lonely moments.  A gentle man was sitting next to me, with headphones on, and started laughing.  He put his headphones on my head and let me hear what he was laughing about on "FunnyJunk.Com."

 

He, Stoney, invited me to church, the next morning.  Needless to say, at this particular point in my life, I wasn't very happy with God.  However, I met him at the corner between the homeless shelter and library, the next morning.

 

Then, I found out where God was leading me.  The church was called City Church, on the Mansfield Square, and they had a plan for me that I still reflect upon.  They were all about "community out-reach."  After everything that I had been through, all I could do was volunteer.

 

When I was not working, I was with Stoney passing out meals and clothes to the homeless.  Some were begging for gloves.  Hope had found me!  I was so sad and so happy to be there.  Stoney stood by me and kept me involved.  He was like a savior.  Meeting me, every Sunday, for church.

 

I had lucked out and got a steady job at Kerry Foods and was making flavorings for StarBucks Coffee.  I still make them, in my sleep.  It was a very clean factory and the boast that sent me home.

 

I still remember Stoney and the hope that his faith gave me.  I heard from him, while writing this piece.

 

I am not sure what this tale will mean to you, but "Hope Found Me."

 

Author's Note

What more can I say, Stoney found me! He is still my friend.

After Zawny's review, I came back and put very personal information in my Author's Note, until my mother read it and told me that it didn't belong here and I removed it.

I can tell you, after attending every trial for over a year, the one question I had remained unanswered and that was, "Why?"

Reviews

[Zawny]

Sweet story and well done for getting it out there. The story to me is great as it is - crisp and to the point. I imagine this was your aim. However, I would like to see a little more detail.

Why did your friend try to kill you. Did he kill your daughter? Did you become a Christian?

Did you fall in love with Stoney or anyone else else during your time served at the charity?

This would be a great sequal. Hope did indeed find you in your hour of need!! Thank you

[Warrior]

Great story telling. This did justice in the realm of getting the message across. Great message. There's lot of times where a story can have a great message to aim for, and have a lot of under lining things but then no one gets it, and if no one gets it, then the point has failed. But in my opinion this did well to get the message across. You made it clear, which is why I think it's good. Keep up the good work. What was also great was that I could imagine the story as I read it, and that is also a strong point of stories. The ability to have the reader imagine it because after all we're reading not watching it, but it was as if I was there as I read this, and that is great. Good job once again.

[Daytonight]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Sometimes we never know the why. But maybe it was so you could reach out and touch at least one other person's life. I am sure you have touched quite a number. Keep on penning.

[Liza]

heartfelt dedication of the day hope was recognized within - it was born and is growing.

[James Darrow]

In these times of desperation, sorrow, and grief, it is refreshing to read and hear of stories like this that give us hope. Hope is a powerful thing, able to embolden and spur people to action, where as depression and sorrow only drag us further down into our own holes. Christina, this is exceptionally well done, and I did truly enjoy reading this story you shared with us.

On a technical note: I couldn't find anything out of place or 'wrong' here. The sentences flow well, there are no punctuation or capitalization errors, let alone any misspellings. Very good job.

[Dearantlers]

To make you stronger. That's what I think. This is a sad story, and I wish there was something I could do to help.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for the story. Many people fall down. I tell people be kind to each other. Never know when your life can fall apart. I like the ending to this story. We need good friends and help in our life. I'm glad Stoney was there to assist you. Thank you for a excellent story.
Coyote

[Kenneth The Poet]

Stunning piece of work.

[Raven Starhawk]

A sound message delicately woven with powerful words make this a intelligent delight. though not without its hints of angst, at least that is how I perceived it.