Most of you know I write letters to the Editor about the homeless situation here in Richmond County. I remeber being 18 and on the streets, not prepared for a life there, just put there. Not prepared means I wasn't ready because I didn't get the chance to get my driver's license much less a car due to the terrible situation in my home. Taken away at 17 by Social Services, 15 years too late, I say now, I sooo knew nothing. I had no job, no family I could turn to, no place to live after leaving the foster home that took me in until I graduated. I stayed with them about 6 months, and I thank God for them. But after graduation, they were ready for me to go. I know how it feels to be unwanted. I know how it feels to live somewhere you are not wanted. It's a very bad and sad feeling. I remeber walking the streets all night, not knowing, at 18, where to go. I remember finding a can of hot dog chili and opening it with a knife and eating it with my fingers, I was so hungry. I wished someone could have taken me in and taught me the things I needed to know, to help set me on a straight path. I wanted that..just help me! But no one came. Those who did finally were the wrong ones. I made choices that I know, if someone would have offered me help in a constructive way, I would not have made. I am 47 now and before the Lord Jesus called my name 11 years ago, I lived with so many regrets for the things that I had done. My life was spared over and over again by my Father God. At the time I did not realize it but he had his hand on me. I tried to go home to get help only to be kicked out in the street at night in the rain by someone who should have loved me. I know what helpless feels like. I know what hungry feels like. I know what unloved and unwanted feels like. I was never hooked on drugs or an alcoholic..I was a good kid with good potential. The only one that noticed that was My Lord and I thank him for bringing me through. I tahnk him for adding years to my life so that I could come to know him and build a very personal relationship with him. People talk about people having choices. Sometimes there is only two choices...to live or to die. I thank God I lived. I say all this and believe me, I am leaving huge amounts out of this, in order not to hurt others, so some harshness and judgements against the homeless will cease. God Bless.