12-18-2013, 11:49 AM
davester wrote:
Epic story vision! Thank you so much for sharing it. In comparison to you and the lady in the OP's linked article, I have lived a rather trouble free life. However, I am only a generation away from living in a much more destitute situation. My mother grew up in a coal mining village that was rated as the most impoverished village in Europe, a place where food was scarce, indoor plumbing was virtually unknown, and people were burdened with lots of offspring to feed due to the lack of birth control. For many of her peers, life has not been good and they are still drifting aimlessly on public assistance, unable to see the way out. Somehow my mum caught a glint of a way to get out of that world (perhaps a eureka moment such as the one you encountered with your UCLA connection), and she worked like a dog to take advantage of it. I am one of the lucky benefactors. It sounds as though the lady in the OP link has some desire and some drive to move forward, but the path to making a big move to free herself from the bonds of dependence is eluding her (no doubt due largely to her large flock of dependents). I wish her luck.
Sounds like you have a rich history. You never know how you affect lives. Grandparents, neighbors, strangers. Your mom just sounds like she was strong and determined. Once you see daylight and you can "envision" some success, it's on. Clearly that's what happened to your mother. I always figure, you might be smarter than me, more capable in every way, but I will not be out worked. Nobody can beat me at that.
I know many people like the woman in that story. Entrenched, self concept cemented in inferiority. It takes a lot to turn that around. Her kids though, that's where the opportunity is, however I believe anybody can change if they want it badly enough. Some people can't imagine not getting assistance. One woman I know is trying, but she's so broken down. She gets high and hides out in the apartment that she will be removed from soon. Her name is Faith and I've had long conversations with her about having just that.
She literally doesn't know what to do. She is over 50 and has a great personality. I told her to get dressed, put her teeth in, and took her to Target where she filled out an application on their computer screen. Even taking that step seemed impossible to her. I don't know if she's run afoul of the law, but I know Target has a policy that will allow people with a criminal history to apply. Hopefully it works for her.