Reflections :: Finding Peace Within

  Image courtesy of Flickr

Where inspiration is derived is as diverse as the individuals who seek it.  I found mine in Denver, Colorado at Warren Church.  It is a small church in an old but beautiful area of Denver where the streets are lined with quaint houses and a large park nearby.  The congregation there have little in common other than their faith.

In 2012, I found myself unable to work due to health issues.  I applied for Social Security which took a very long two years to receive.  During this process, I lost my home, my car and many of my belongings.  It was a very dark period of my life.  I had one true friend during that time that knew what was going on named Eric.  He literally became my guardian angel, calling me every day to check on me.

I traveled to Denver to visit a relative where I was lucky enough to stay for a few months.  After the visit became a little too long, I found myself with no money or food and on the streets of Denver where I knew not one soul.  I spent one night outside until I found out about a shelter in Warren Church. There you would show up at 4:00 P.M. and stand in line for two hours in hopes of getting a mat on the floor for the night.  It was a terrifying experience overall and every night I would cry myself to sleep and missing my kids like crazy.

After about three weeks, the shelter closed and we had to relocate to a bad part of Denver.  It was from there that I would make the long journey back to Warren Church on foot for the one hot meal I could count on during the week.  I would help out and go attend the service to earn my breakfast.  Broken flip flops and a split in the bottom of my foot couldn’t keep me from walking miles to get back there every Sunday. After awhile, the church became the closest feeling I had to a home and when you have nothing, a breakfast of pancakes and coffee is just like gourmet.

One Sunday during a sermon, I found myself crying uncontrollably.  I felt a warm feeling wash over me and a new sense of hope and perspective on life.  Shortly after that experience, I received a call from Eric.  He called to tell me he wanted to pay for my ticket home to Orange County so I could be with my kids.  No words can ever express my happiness and gratitude still to this day.

It has now been almost a year and a half since I’ve been home.  I have my children back in my life, an amazing boyfriend and his beautiful daughter, a roof over my head, food in my stomach and amazing friends. Every day I tell myself not to mourn the life I used to have but to be thankful that I have everything I need. Sometimes I think it takes losing everything to see what is really important in this life.

About the Author: My name is Kerry and I’m the proud mother of two wonderful children. I previously worked as a paralegal but am now on Social Security, acting as an advocate for my own health. Currently I am working on a book, sharing my life experiences in hopes of helping others. Despite having gone through many difficult times, I never gave up and am thankful for all my blessings including my amazing friends and family.