Blog Post from 8/31/09

 Ok yesterday I did it actually the day before 8/29/09 it has been raining like we haven't had in long time and each time Jim leaves our house (as he eats here and treats his infection on his leg and charges his cell phone here) I heart sinks as I hate seeing him ride off in the rain. I so many times wanted to stop him and say stay. But a few reason have stopped me: one being:  I'm an enabler and don't want to fall in that trap again and two not sure how my family will react to me having a homeless man stay with us. Particularly my husband, which although he is a good guy is more cynical then I'm (probably a good thing at times) The other night 8/29/09 Jim was here for dinner and to do all the charging and wound care. It was getting late and he doesn't see in the dark very well. (pretty bad night blindness) while watching  his favorite show (CSI) he feel asleep, I told him to lay on the couch and he could stay the night. It started with my grandson (age 6) he says to me don't you think it is time for Jim to go home.  LOL I told him Jim didn't have a home and he sleeps in the woods or where he can.  He replied OOOOOOOOOOOOOO well Nanny maybe he should live with us then. Then my Hubby chimed in and said Linda if the basement didn't gets so darn damp we could let him stay there. We talked about it and decided we would pitch it to Jim. We told him it wasn't much but all we had to offer and he was welcome to stay there until he gets some other option. We showed him around and told him how he could use the side gate and how he could get there from the outside and no need to always let us know he was in.  we all gave him a  few conditions (i.e. light off when he leaves. Close gate so dog doesn't get out and no company and voice how we are not crazy about drunkenness) Jim said that would be great and my son in-law, sons , and hubby got to work. They moved a couch down stairs a small rug, I got a quilt and bought some pillows and table and night light, and then we gave him one of the TVs in the house and hubby ran the cable and WAAA LAAAAAAA a new apt of sorts for Jim. God knows if I'm doing the right thing but it felt so right at the time and  I hope is a good step for Jim and I know the effects on my family has been so  wonderful. This example: My son in law (Mike)  is a great guy and such a sweet heart but he came from a family that isn't very sharing. He told my daughter last week when Jim had dinner with us that “ You know Casey your Mom is a good person but I think she is going to far.” LOL Well Mike was the fist to help set up the basement and he even came down with a razor and an old shirt he had for Jim ( I almost cried) My other son donated a pair of sweat pants. I Love what is happening to my family, so you see helping Jim is not just for Jim but so rewarding in other ways. I wont lie I worry a tiny bit that if this back fires and Jim turns out to just use us  and not try to help himself that it may have the opposite  effect and  make them even more cynical when helping other people.  So I'm praying  this will all turn out for the best and we can truly help Jim and at the same time teach my family a good lesson that we can make a difference. One person at a time. So, many prayers will be more then welcome