Home » » Homelessness » I Was Almost Homeless

I Was Almost Homeless

© Bea Sheftel

When my husband was out of work for three months I took my son and had to leave our home in Connecticut. We didn't have money for the essentials, including the formular and diapers he needed. My husband stayed behind to find work.

I was one of the fortunate ones. I had parents who opened their home to me. What if they weren't around, or lived too far away, or didn't want us to stay with them? My only alternative would have been to go to the Salvation Army family shelter in Hartford.

Even living with my parents who offered us my old room with no charge, it wasn't easy. The three of us had grown up and were all married. My parents were used to having the house to themselves and going and coming as they pleased. Now that had me and my infant son during the week and my husband on the weekend. We added to their financial burden. After all, we ate their food, used their heat and electricity, took baths, and generally took up space.

I tried to keep out of my parents' way. I cooked what my mom wanted, and helped her with the cleaning. We went shopping for groceries together, though I couldn't contribute. It was a good time in many ways because of our companionship with each other. I enjoyed the time with Mom and I know she enjoyed her time with us. She wasn't lonely when dad went to his club because we were there. And yet she felt guilty going out when she knew I couldn't afford to go out. Many times she gave my husband and I money for the movies on the weekend, and she stayed home and took care of our infant.She never complained, but I felt guilty.

My husband helped out, too. He went to the dry cleaners, and other stores for her. She called him her "legs". He never tired of walking to the Avenue to do some shopping on the weekend. He did some minor repair work for her also. In other words, we tried to be useful.

Mom also enjoyed playing board games and hadn't done that in awhile since us three kids grew up. So we played different board games. My sister lived a few blocks away. She came over a few nights a week and joined us. She even contributed to some of the meals.When my son needed an outfit, or shoes, it was my sister and mother who gave me money to buy what he needed. Bless them both.

The copyright of the article I Was Almost Homeless in Homelessness is owned by Bea Sheftel . Permission to republish I Was Almost Homeless in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.