Thankful

I was thinking of posting a list of things I was thankful for. There surely are things I have. But I did not feel inspired.

I just took out the dog. At the base of the stairs she barked at a tree and the man about 20 yards away who stood behind it.

Good girl, I told her. Though these are no longer the mean streets of Kiladelphia, I heard several months ago someone was jacked nearby, and I have not forgotten caution.

But I wasn't scared. Kids go in the woods often to smoke weed, or laborers during a break in their day. People walking dogs once in a while, or someone pacing engaged in serious cell phone conversation. But this man looked different. He looked older. He walked away slowly and weary, like he wasn't going anywhere.

I only realized as he was almost out of sight that he probably had nowhere to go. Where should somebody without a home go? Shouldn't they try to seek any warmth, any safety. Should I despise him for coming too near my home. Granted I don't want a break-in, but that's what a 75lb bulldog is for after all. I know homelessness has always been present. I know it rose perilously during the depression, and I know it has been rising now. Where all they all do go? Shall they walk about in the cold forever?

I am Grateful for what I have, which is a warm home with a man and dog whom I love dearly. We want for many things, but between us we never want for love. And I love that I have somewhere to go. To be safe, so be warm, to not be despised for vagrancy. For unwantedness. And my wish this Thanksgiving (new tradition, whatever) is for us all to have a warm place to land and be safe. May we all have a home, however small.

Thank you.