Chapter 1: The Impact of Loss

Today, I learned that a dear friend’s mother, who was 80, has passed away. Her obituary touches on her life, but it barely scratches the surface of the obstacles she faced. For instance, she was a single mother of five by the age of 30.

Did she neglect her children? I prefer to think she was simply overwhelmed. The truth is, women often earn significantly less than men. Despite earning a college certificate, she struggled to secure a well-paying job and was still repaying her student loans at the age of 79. She shared stories of her time working in a factory and at Sears, and even continued working until she was 73.

Seven years ago, she married a close friend, and they settled in a lovely brick home within a homeowners association. Soon after, she welcomed her two youngest children into the household. One of her daughters required medication for a mental health issue, and Troy, her son, would often ransack her room to steal her prescriptions. Without her medication, her behavior was challenging, to say the least. Eventually, she relocated out of state.

Troy is a tall young man, over six feet, with a bit of extra weight—not muscle. He carries himself like a teenager who has recently experienced a growth spurt. His hair is a mix of gray and black, though I’m unsure of his exact age.

Initially, Troy seemed to have potential. He aspired to start a fencing business, which could have been successful, but he lacked the necessary skills to manage it. He would accept contracts, take the payments, and perhaps start the projects, but rarely completed them. His legal troubles became frequent as a result.

His stepfather invested in all the equipment Troy would need, including a gas-powered post hole digger and a generator, but Troy ended up pawning the tools. His disrespect towards his mother escalated, culminating in heated arguments where he would yell and lunge at her—actions that she seemed unfazed by. His threats towards his stepfather were alarming, particularly as he was biting the hand that fed him.

Ultimately, his stepfather opted for legal eviction. I would have taken a more direct approach, simply tossing his belongings outside and sending him on his way. Troy then moved in with a girlfriend near my home, but that arrangement quickly fell through when he failed to assist the landlord, leading to yet another eviction. Now, he has been living in his truck. Although we reside in a warmer region, we recently experienced two cold snaps, leaving me concerned about where he spent his nights.

Since he is no longer welcome at his mother's house and is now homeless, they had to find a neutral ground to meet. I invited both of them over for Thanksgiving. Troy appeared joyful, almost childlike, in his demeanor.

You might be wondering why I didn’t offer him a place to stay. While I have the space, I lack the patience to deal with his volatile behavior. I’ve previously provided shelter to young people seeking stability, but that was in my past when I was more tolerant. That person no longer exists.

Troy's two main issues are drug use and gambling. The family discovered traces of both in the room he vacated. I fear that losing his mother will push him further into despair. I wish I could assist him, especially since his mother was a cherished friend of mine.

Troy exemplifies a broader societal failure. Streets and public areas are filled with countless individuals like him, existing outside the framework of our society, whether by choice or circumstance. If Troy were given appropriate medication, he might have a chance to reintegrate into society. Perhaps with solid counseling, he could learn essential life lessons, but I remain skeptical about that happening. It perplexes me how both he and his sister have remained dysfunctional into adulthood.

The first video, "Homeless Man with a Heartbreaking Sign," highlights the struggles and resilience of individuals facing homelessness and the often unseen challenges they endure.

The second video, "Former Homeless Man Preaches GREATEST Sermon You'll Ever Hear!" showcases a powerful message from someone who has experienced homelessness, offering insights into overcoming adversity.

Chapter 2: The Cycle of Homelessness

Understanding Troy's situation sheds light on the complexities of homelessness in America. It’s a multifaceted issue that requires empathy, awareness, and action to foster change.