life

The other night I stopped by Rahab’s Sisters and spoke briefly with one of the women I have come to know and love. “J” has been on the streets longer than I would have believed possible to survive.  She is in her 50’s, but her body betrays that, and she easily looks ten years older.  She is also not well, having been in and out of the hospital too many times to count.  I am always stunned and angered when I learn she has been released from medical care.  Just once, I wish the hospital would keep her for a stay long enough to recover.  This past week when I saw her, she told me her SSI was finally coming in, and she would be able to get into some housing.  Her blue eyes were clear and steady as she told me with great relief of her good news.  She expressed that she wasn’t going to last much longer if she stayed outside, and I know this is true.  I held her tiny frame in my arms, and willed her tired, broken body to hold on a bit longer.