There’s a homeless man who sits outside Broadway Junction with his dog. When I saw this Memorial I thought both man and dog had died but today I saw the gentleman and stopped to give my condolences. Also pats on his shoulder. Human touch means.
As he explained to me while crying that dog was his family. All his immediate family members are dead. He has nobody. My heart went out to him because I’ve been seeing him every day since 2012.
The dog’s name was Bones. Bones was his constant faithful companion. Bones was eleven when he passed away.
Though only 55 the death of his beloved Bones has aged him twenty years. The shelter system in New York City does not allow pets in the shelters. For many homeless people all they have are their pets.
I did my best to give comfort and Yes I did give him a dollar. But even more important I gave a listening ear. Though we pass by the homeless treating them like so much flotsam and jetsam. They too were somebody’s child. And in the Eyes of God the Lord sees them as Human beings.
No judgment. Just Acceptance.
Please read Luke 16:19-31 New International Version (NIV)
Homeless people who have disabilities are often treated very badly by the system. In fact disabled People in general often don’t get the programs and services they need. I hadn’t planned to attend this church fair but God had other plans for me. Plans to meet an Angel.
Today at a Church Health Fair I met Angel McMillan a young woman who uses a wheelchair.
Ms. McMillan currently lives in the Magnolia House Shelter located at 1424 Herkermer St.
The elevator is kept locked and only the security guard has the key. In case of emergency Ms. McMillan is trapped in the building. She has to beg just to gain access to the elevator to even get outside for doctors appointments or fresh air.
The Magnolia House shelter is also filthy, dirty with garbage and trash strewn everywhere. Definitely an unsafe environment for a young woman with a disability. This facility is in direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Of course I advocate for my brother Stephen all the time but think about the homeless disabilities People.
Previously in March I assisted a blind woman to locate the B56 bus at Broadway Junction.
She was Crying for help so I immediately went to assist Her.
Despite the fact that both the Police Department is at Broadway Junction as are the Transit Workers neither came to her assistance.
Stayed with Her until bus arrived. She was on Her way to the homeless shelter somewhere in the area of 75th and Elderts.
Why does the City of New York send blind People to unfamiliar places and Destinations? Earlier that day she had fallen and injured her hand. Being that this is a low income neighborhood the sidewalks and streets are tore up. Overwhelming obstacles for a blind person.
Why are blind People forced to Live in homeless shelters? Surely NYC can do better.
Seeing Eye Dog Sculpture
Seeing Eye Dog Sculpture
Seeing Eye Dog Sculpture
Seeing Eye Dog Sculpture
I advocate for my neighbors with disabilities. Who do you advocate for?
Activism, Advocacy and Resistance to the system is not only providing immediate help but contacting local neighborhood elected officials to get disabled People the goods, services and programs that they need.
Some People might think that having a Sibling with Autism as a burden or hindrance However for me Stephen is my Greatest Blessing. Every day I Thank God for choosing me as Stephen Sister. Stephen is that Good portion of my life when all else goes wrong. For Stephen I would move Heaven and earth.
Together in Life and into Eternity. As cancer ravaged his body every day he asked for his Beloved. She was first in his mind in the morning and last thought at Night before sleep. Only until Daddy was reassured that the Love of his life would be cared for did he take his final Earthly breath. Then not able to bear her suffering from cancer he begged Jesus to be allowed to escort her home.
On August 1998 Jesus said Yes. Descending into the hospital room Edward said Mable come with me. Taking his hand they ascended towards Home. Passing through the Gates of Heaven at once 25 again. Young, Healthy and in Love.
**Quote from the film Titanic
Daddy
Thanks for reading. No Daddy issue here. Our Dad was everything to us.
I’m committed to changing the negative narrative and stereotypes of Black Men and Black Fathers.
Don’t drink the Koolaid and Don’t believe the hype about Black men pushed by the media. STOP Watching Love and hip hop plus those Stupid Wives TV Shows! Not real life! All Lies! Fake!
For all the Men Who step in when a child’s Father has died. Salute!
Espiritu en Fuego/A Fiery Spirit 