Sunday, July 27, 2008

Putting things in perspective

For the past month or so I've been busy, and as I read friends' blogs I see a lot of other bloggers have been as well. I didn't post much this past week because I was working on a story for Sunday's (today's) paper. The writing is the easy and enjoyable part; scheduling interviews and photos is often what becomes more time-consuming.

To top if off, the story I worked on with my friend and colleague, Michelle, was emotionally draining. It deals with homelessness and was published today.

Since I am not one to mix business and pleasure, I don't link my stories to my blog. But after talking to Ralph, I decided to go for it. Sitting down with people who for a variety of reasons have become homeless is eye-opening.

It may be a cliché, but it does indeed put things in perspective.

For our story, click here.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes it does!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

my son has been homeless before. there are so many reasons this happens to people. of course his was self inflicted but still it hurts just the same. and so many viet nam vets are homeless too... great story patti!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Patti said...

For the people: I think it truly does.

Bee: Thanks for reading. You are right that there are so many reasons for someone to end up like that.

Mimi Lenox said...

I just read your article at New Haven Register. Let me congratulate you and your writing partner on a wonderful article that sheds light on an growing phenomenon in our country.

Secondly, let me echo what Bee said about this happening to people for all kinds of reasons. It is heartbreaking to see and read what "Jessica" and Sherry have to go through. It could happen to any of us at any time.

Well done, Patti.
I'm glad you took Ralph's advice and let us see your awesome work.

Michele said...

Wonderful story Patti. I was homeless from the age of 13 to 15. Yes I literally lived on the streets and searched for food and lived wherever there was a dry place. My mother no longer had a use for me after my father took his own life when he was charged for hurting me and they released me into her care. Little did they know she was bad as well. The streets are terrible, sad, angry, and full of pain. I don't wish it upon anyone. It's amazing the kind of folks that do wander the streets. This article was nice to read... you did well at compiling the information... a breath of fresh air.
Thank you.

Linda said...

An excellent article, Patti, and very sad that life is going this way for so many people. It's very true that just one paycheck is what stands between so many people and this sort of life and even though I occasionally joke about having to live under the railroad bridge here in Norwich with some our local homeless, it's really not that far of a stretch to think that I could end up there.

Living paycheck to paycheck is horrible, as I'm sure you and Ralph know, but I'm just not seeing a clear way to do anything but. I've been robbing from Peter to pay Paul and Peter is just about broke, too, so what does one do next?

It's great that there are places for people like Sherry and "Jessica" to go to and it's wonderful that you and your writing partner highlighted that. Excellent article and thank you so much for sharing it with us!

Casdok said...

Brillient article. It is hard to imagine, but could happen to any of us.

Queen-Size funny bone said...

I'm in the area of New Haven so I left a comment on the article. good work but there is so much more to tell.

Patti said...

Queen Mimi: thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty

Michele: I am so sorry to read about your teen years.

Linda: You understand the robbing Peter to pay Paul phenomenon that we are experiencing. It's not easy, but it's one day at a time, right?

Casdok: yes, it could happen to any of us.

Queen-size: I will go check out your comment. Thank you very much for reading!