One of the fun aspects of writing this newsletter is I
never know what responses each one will bring. There are always
unanticipated surprises. Prompted by last week's message regarding
overcoming adversity that leads to opportunity, MJ surprised me with her rather amazing story.
MJ emailed, "My life took a left turn when I lost
almost all of my savings in the housing bubble in 2009. For the second
time in my life (first was when I was 20 and just married), I was back
in a tiny apartment, but it cost a lot more these days and especially in
Orange County (California).
"My rent had increased $300 a month over the last six
months making my rent for under 800 sq ft, $1600 a month. I decided that
even though I loved being 'Ballet Shuttle' for my granddaughters for
three years, I could no longer stand to see my bank account go negative
each month.
"I had to find a place to live that I could afford.
With the help of my wonderful neighbors, I pared down and put what was
left in storage and I am off seeking an adventure.
"I have made and kept friends from grade school and
from my travels. Without them, I would not be living rent free for the
next three to six months. Without rent, I pray that I can afford to go
on a pilgrimage to Italy with my longtime Florida pastor (I lived in
Florida 27 Years) as well as cruise around the Hawaiian Islands with my
girlfriend since the 5th grade. She and I turn 70 this summer.
"My pastor's mom is leaving Arizona and going back to
south Florida. This pastor is the one leading the pilgrimage. He said,
'Live with mom rent free and then you can afford the Italy trip.'
"So I am driving across country to visit friends and
family. By the time I get to south Florida, I hope to know where I am to
live. Being a self-imposed homeless person and with absolutely
wonderful family and friends, I know God will show me where I can be of
help and love everyday.
"I realized that I need very little of what George
Carlin called 'Stuff' and I should have gotten rid of all my 'Stuff' and
started totally anew."
Note from Tom: At the end of today's newsletter, there is a link to a hilarious 5-minute George Carlin YouTube video on "Stuff."
MJ continued, "I don't know if a man is in the cards
but I am determined to live my life to the fullest and be joyful. I have
more than my share of health challenges and it taught me to share hope
with friends and whomever God puts in my path that are now experiencing
their own health issues.
"In south Florida, one can rent the same size place
overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway or the ocean. I am not
pigeonholing myself into going back to south Florida, where I have
friends and my brother. But it's a big pull.
"I have been a faithful reader of your newsletters
since early 2000, when I was living in south Florida, and then in Orange
County where I came to meet you at your previous deli location. My only
regret is not coming to your new deli location to see you once again
and to the Meet and Greet gatherings, but I will be in Orange County
again when I visit my granddaughters. From my three years of driving
them to ballet lessons (ballet shuttle), we have built a great
relationship together that I pray will last the rest of our lives.
"I left Orange County February 1, so I have not let
much grass grow under my feet. I only wish I wrote well enough to write a
diary of my travels. I will cherish every moment and will keep a
constant vigil for what God has for me daily.
"Currently, I am in Tucson. So far on my journey I
have been given the rare opportunity to tour a new Mormon Temple, attend
the world's largest GEM show multiple times and a gourd festival, and
much more."
Tom responded to MJ:
Wow. I had no idea you were pursuing a new dream. You do write well
enough to keep a journal. Besides, how well a person writes doesn't
matter in journaling. Why not join the blog website, wordpress.com
(free) and write a blog? I am sure some of our Champs would enjoy
following your brave adventure. MJ said she had been thinking about
writing a blog and will pursue that. She added, "I have prayed about
where I am to live for the past three years; it seems that God is
opening many doors for me! I will let you know where my travels take
me."
Five minute George Carlin you tube video on stuff:
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