Wrapped in a life of social media and constant waves of information, reading a book seems like a distant pleasure. I have many books (and keep buying more), why? Perhaps it's because I fell in love with reading and books at a young age (thanks Mom!) and still love to get wrapped up in a story. I have yet to take the Kindle or iPad plunge and even when I do, I still think a traditional book will be preferred. There is nothing like the smell of a fresh book when you first open it, or fly though the pages. I love the weight of books, the paper and ink. What can truly replace this?
Last month, on a whim (which does not happen often in our household) we traveled to Vashon Island and fell in love with the township. We stayed at the Artist's Studio Loft For two nights we escaped from the world, spent hours in the massive bathtub, wandered the grounds, somehow got into a Harrison Ford themed movie campaign (The Star Wars trilogy AND Indiana Jones trilogy) and read, read, read. In less than 36 hours, I read the book "The Girls Guide to Homelessness" It's an intriguing story about a woman's terrible upbringing with a family who mistreated her until she left to find her own way in life.
So many of us think homeless means, living on the streets, out of a box, begging for money. Homelessness can be defined in a much broader way: person who lack permanent housing. Brianna lives a seemingly normal life- great job, beautiful appearance, savvy in many ways. Her housing situation changes day to day and without the protection of her loyal dog, she'd have a much tougher time on the streets.
This story is about so much more than homelessness, it's about a woman who finds her voice, her strength in ways that many people could not. It's a story that made me thankful. Thankful for a loving family, who would support me if needed and for a support system who would carry me when I am weak.
Especially when the winds are high and rain is hard, I think of people who are outside trying to survive. Give thanks for what you have. Give to those who are in need!
