My son is now seventeen. He's six foot four inches tall. Football star in his junior year of highschool. My daughter is a young adult now, she's eighteen, recently graduated from highschool, and is currently enrolled in the community college back home in Illinois, in the same place they both were born and raised by their single mother, myself, and they're grandparents. My son's father is currently his 'guardian', although, up until my son was twelve years old, he didn't know who his dad was.

 

I was seventeen myself when I made the bold decision to move to Illinois five years after my parents feld to the state with the hopes and dreams of getting clean and living the life everyone wishes and works hard for. They're last few years in Portland not only tested they're commitment and love for each other, but shaped much of who I became, and the choices I made early in life that would ultimately put me in a place where my two intelligent, kind, warm hearted children we're sitting in front of me saying, "Mom, if you don't leave, you're going to die." 

 

Fast forward to three years ago, when I arrived after a long Greyhound bus ride to Portland. My entire life changed. I began out reaching to the residents who didn't have homes, or family, and let's be real, I chose to live, get to know and selflessly give to a human being what so many others literally couldn't even look at. I began my work for the universe, giving without the thought of wanting. Loving unconditionally. Something inside changes when you're able to give just a sold ear and a hug to another soul that had been forgotten, walked over, and hadn't even utterd a word for years. With that, my live changed, my behaviors changed and everything I was sick of being, just came in so gracefully and pure. 

 

I got word less than a week ago, that my father's scan showed another spot on his lung. Four years ago, this man had to have a tumor that was four pounds and nine inches removed from his left lung. Dad can't do another surgery. This is it. His time is ending here. I can only try every single avenue that's legal and morally ethical to try and raise the money to see my dad, my mother and my children. Because, I am finally the one who they can be proud of, who knew I could be and patiently waited while I figured it all out. 

 

If you've read this far, I hope I've swayed you to make a donation. This small step of getting my butt home for Christmas, might be the first step in really making a difference. Bless every step you take today and I pray only love touches your heart today. 

 

Best wishes,

J