When I met her last night, she sat Indian style, motionless, and in the middle of the sidewalk. She dressed simply in a sports bra and black pants. Her head hung close to her chest. Her mind seemed to race with thoughts and feelings distant to the tranquil feelings induced by drugs. I saw raised scars from needles up and down her freckled arms. I was afraid to approach her. I didn’t want to startle her, disturb her peace, or make her angry, but I boldly introduced myself anyway and offered her a sandwich. Up close, I was surprised to recognize her as the very social girl that I often see hanging out on this street with friends, like young people do. She's lost her vibrance, now. Where are her friends?
I chatted with her a long time, using toiletries as conversation pieces. She sniffed all the conditioners; that's all she uses in her bright red hair. I asked her what scents she prefers. She likes fruit or tropical scents, especially Herbal Essence and Fructis. I gave her a journal, too. She said she likes to draw Egyptian motifs. She stopped talking to me. I said good-bye. She said thank you, while stuffing her hand-outs into empty spaces in her backpack.
Click here to read my first post on the pretty girl with freckles.
http://www.progressiveu.org/190000-the-pretty-girl-with-freckles-shes-homeless
Its really sad to see, when I went to Portland for vacation it suprised me how many homeless people there were. It shocked me how many of them were kids! I remember one boy didn't look older then 15 or so and looked so miserable. Its so hard to want to do something about it but to be unable due to one thing or another. It is hard to see that some of the kids are addicted to drugs, probably an addiction that started in the womb through the mother. I try to help when I can... I'm glad there are people like you out there who do as well. Great job mate.