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I'm an Empty Nester........again

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Posted 01-17-2009 at 09:51 PM by DD

As some of you may know, my son's been staying with us while he's been in between apartments. Lease up on one, other one not ready til 1/15. He's never intrusive, but it's just not normal when you've got an extra person in the house. So...Thursday, he officially moved to the new place.

He moved back to Dallas. Downtown Dallas to be exact. It's a loft. In a rather scary part of downtown, but hey, I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it either at his age.
It's sooooooooo cool. Second (top) floor of the old Nu-Grape Bottling Plant. Just down the street from Jack Ruby's old haunts.
It's huge by rental standards. Over 1800 sf, brick walls, original wood floors. Rooftop deck overlooking the skyline of Dallas. Great views from all the windows--and there's lots of them.
Huge walk-in closet/laundry room. Effiecient kitchen with the tinyest dishwasher I've ever seen.
During the move the other night, I took some stuff over and took a look. When I left, I went through downtown. I NEVER go to downtown Dallas, although I do occasionally visit the Kitty neighborhood. This was the night it was 23 degrees. And you know what most struck me? All the homeless people. I guess when you live in the burbs, you kinda forget about all the folks who don't. The folks who don't live anywhere. Oh my gosh! I wanted to load them all up in the Pathfinder and at least get them warm. It's started me thinking in this New Year, that maybe I should do more to help my fellow man. I'm checking out opportunities to help. It definitely made me a little less comfortable in my warm bed that night.
This could turn into a story..stay tuned.

Posted in Miscellaneous

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	Loved this blog! Congrats on the empty nest. I have one of those, too. You know DD, they opened up a brand new facility downtown for the homeless called The Bridge. So many of those folks jsut want to be on their own (do not want to follow the rules) and won't take advantage of offerings. What can be done?
	Posted 01-18-2009 at 12:09 AM by Miss Kitty

	Yeah, I've been reading about The Bridge. I sent an email to the director guy. But I know what you're saying about not wanting to be in a place where they have rules. I don't know the answer, but I'll keep you posted on what I find out.
	Posted 01-18-2009 at 08:45 AM by DD

Yet another reason to love you DD. You are the most compassionate person I know. In my next life, I want to be you.

Congrats on the empty nest girl. Our BFF's here had their son, d-i-l, granddog, for 3 months while they shopped for a new house and their daughter that was home from colege, for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays! We heard the sigh of relief all the way across the sreet when the last one flew the coop!

I'd love to see pics of his loft. Sounds awesome!

Posted 01-18-2009 at 11:01 AM by gotothebeachmom gotothebeachmom is offline

dd has a heart of gold.

it really is so unfortunate for these folks to live that way. in my hometown, a lady bought a house and turned it into a homeless shelter. i'm not sure what the process may be, but i think she interviews them before she accepts them. i do know that while they are there, they are given warm beds to sleep in, clean clothes to wear, and can take warm showers and baths. the junior league is active in the shelter so we provided a lot of things for them, bed and bath linens, make up for the women, toothpaste, toothbrushes, underwear, anything that they could use. while they are there they have to apply for jobs, and, i think, are given an amount of time they are allowed there, she and her staff help them find employment and find their next move. i'm sure some go back to living the life that they were previously living, but i'm sure some try to better themselves. i know i would if given that opportunity. as far as what protocol the salvation army follows i'm not sure.

here in charlotte, there is a property, in the woods, that mr. aggb works, where homeless sleep, he walked back into that area one day and found a package of raw steaks opened.

there is a grocery store not too far away. i also see homeless go into the grocery stores and take advantage of the food samples.

i love lofts, i lived in one and LOVED it! it was perfect for me.

Posted 01-18-2009 at 12:10 PM by aggieb aggieb is offline

Updated 01-18-2009 at 01:07 PM by aggieb

	Awww...y'all are so sweet. gttbm..i want to be you, so can we switch places?? I don't know the answers to the homeless issues, but I'm still researching ways to help. I guess I think mostly of the kids. I know they're out there.
	Posted 01-18-2009 at 12:55 PM by DD

awwwwwwwww, DD, I love this story! Congratulations on the empty nest, and good luck to your baby boy in his new residence - it sounds exciting!

and thanks especially for reminding me and others of the homeless. I can only imagine that the numbers of homeless are likely to increase at this time when jobs and money are scarce. you've made me want to find out more too. I know you've started your research. I found this right away online.
Eight Ways You Can Truly Help the Homeless.

I liked #3...

Quote:

3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.

The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered women, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills...the list goes on.

Posted 01-25-2009 at 03:27 PM by Tootsie Tootsie is offline

I need to read the blogs. I haven't in a while and this was touching. Yes, like Toots found, the homeless population is diverse. You're so sweet for even noticing and wanting to do something to help. Most people just walk by them thinking there isn't anything they can do to help. Most take to the streets because they think the shelters are more dangerous.

Good luck with the loft. It sounds cool. I love those in the city with the exposed brick walls and all.

Posted 01-26-2009 at 10:14 AM by Mango Mango is offline

Thanks for your blog entry DD. I never read these and am so glad I did today!

I wish I had the natural compassion you have.
You mentioning that you especially think of children made me think of the book "The Family Under the Bridge". We used to read it to Jackie. I need to order a copy. It was so good! I can still picture the man sitting below the restaurant vents soaking in the smells. That was his lunch and he was satisfied with that. The children in the story had a working mother who couldn't pay her rent but didn't want her family split up while she was trying to find another place and make things work out.
If you haven't read it, I'd highly recommend.
http://back-to-books.blogspot.com/2008/06/111-family-under-bridge.html
Good luck to your son. Sounds like he is excited about his new place. Sounds neat!

Posted 02-03-2009 at 08:14 AM by Rita Rita is offline

Updated 02-03-2009 at 08:17 AM by Rita

Thanks girls for your sweet comments.
Update: I have been in contact with the Bridge people, and before I can volunteer there, I have to go through an orientation. I've not been able to schedule it yet, but I'm working on it. In the meantime, I have been in contact with a lady on another board (

) that cooks for the homeless on a pretty regular basis--through her church. We've been communicating and it looks like I may start helping cook. I'll keep you posted.

Posted 02-07-2009 at 05:14 PM by DD DD is offline

	Update on update: I'm cooking on May 30.
	Posted 02-09-2009 at 07:37 AM by DD

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