No man's land: Reflections on being homeless

While most sleep, many lonely human lives wander the land in search for food and shelter. Roaming the dark wet streets with no place to go and no money to live on. Living under the raindrops, scorching sun, falling leaves, and freezing flakes. Living on a dollar and counting change. Living vigilantly and passing by the wealthy every day. Gazing in hopes that one day, maybe I can make it out of the gutter. I can get a job, find a wife, raise kids and live happy someday. There are many reasons why a person may become homeless at some point of time in their life. It can be from lack of work, getting behind on bills, and an eviction notice. A lot of the time you see reasons like not wanting to work, being addicted to drugs and burning every bridge connected to family and friends. Sometimes it is because of disability, no transportation, just can’t work, or no family around to help. Some people need to reach the bottom of the barrel, engulfed in regret and sorrow, to wake up and succeed in life. The word homeless means so much more than just not having a home.

Over a decade ago in my late teens I flipped a chapter in my life, learning from my experience of being homeless for 10 months. To my recollection, homeless means sleeping in my car. Just me and my dog. In the cold Kentucky nights, sharing a Top Ramen and shivering while wrapped in blankets. Majority of the time with no gas or insurance to drive. No family member’s house to stay at when times got rough. Embarrassed to explain to close friends my real situation when I asked to crash on their couch.

Times were rough, and a few were there for me. But those few welcomed me like family and invited me in. They gave me a plate and a pillow to gain my strength and confidence. Allowed time for me to work and get back on my feet. I struggled with stability, financial responsibility, structure, and a foundation of what I wanted in life. Misguided by the adolescent mentality of drinking and partying all the time. Staying up all night and sleeping all day. The reasons why are not important. But what is important is what I learned. I learned, that I have to work for what I want. In any aspect in life, whether it’s working to provide for myself or working hard and hurdle obstacles to reach success. I have always lived by the philosophy, “problems are not problems until they cause problems in your life.”

If there is something that is hindering you from maximizing your full potential to succeed, it’s a problem. Whatever that may be, take control of it and get rid of it. Be humble, live confidently, look forward, and listen to your loved ones. Delete the problems in your life. I wish I can help everyone I see who is down on their luck. I do try to help anyway I can, especially the ones I know and love. To help someone today is good, but to teach them to live the rest of their life in confidence and leading by example is more important. There are many people who walk the streets of “No Man’s Land.” Everybody knows somebody who is not doing well in life. Be observant to the reasons. If we can help, let’s help. But always love them and be considerate of life’s ups and downs.

Robbie Rowe is an account executive at the Columbia Basin Herald.