Long story--Short

She is ecstatic! Homeless 20 years, she's a heartbeat away from shelter. You may wonder why it took 20 years for one to receive shelter. Long story-short, you got to want it. When she came into the office today, her arms outstretched for a hug, she said, "Mama, I'm moving in Monday!" I could hardly believe my ears. Oh, I know that she had began to work with a behavioral health specialist; but I know that crack has a way of canceling out the best plans. Yet, she was sticking to the plan--making appointments and keeping them....As she turned to leave, she said, "Mama, I'm so happy. See how clean my clothes are. I'll be able to wash!" I told her she looked lovely and I was so proud of her determination and then she said, "so and so and so and so (street guys) tried to get me to come with them to get high. I told them,'I'm not trading 20 minutes for a lifetime. I'm going back to the porch. I'll be in my sleeping bag by 7PM. I'll see you tomorrow." Before she went into the cold drizzle, we held hands and prayed that she would be strengthened to withstand the temptation. Long story-short, Wednesday to Monday is forever on the street but here's hoping.