Not a leg to stand on

From a true story (unfortunately)

“I‘ve lived on the streets since I was 13. That’s over 10 years. I couldn’t hack another foster family disaster so I got outta there.

Usually sleep in the doorways at the back of churches. It’s shelter and I feel kinda safe. Churchies are mostly very kind. My Aunty reckons that people like me have done that for hundreds of years especially during that depression time and the wars.

I’ve got a dodgy heart and the Docs say my circulation isn’t great. I have to take it easy, so I read alot. I love my books, reading takes me to another place. Books are like babies to me and they go with me with my blanket and jacket.

A few months ago I bunked down at the back of a sally hall. It was always dry, there was a nearby light for security and the odd kindheart in a uniform would sometimes give me a drink or food. Good old sallies. They’ve helped me many, many times; saved my life I reckon. Helped with food,  in court and one sally lady sometimes washes my hair and lets me have a long hot shower. That’s luxury I reckon.

I overheard a couple of sallie people saying that I wasn’t welcome there. They said I was a disgrace, a health hazard, a danger to the children and the old people. I pretended to be asleep. I wasn’t hurting anyone. And anyway I thought their whole thing was about helping people like me?

One day I found my blanket and me books trashed in a rubbish bin. I pulled them out, dusted them off and set up camp again. A few days later everything was completely gone and the doorway was wet and stank of disinfectant. I got another blanket from a mate and more books.

I had to go bush to see my sick Aunty. When I got back my doorway was completely shut off by thick steel fences. The mumbling people had won.

I had a rant to some other sallies I know about what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they all were. They turned away and looked sad but they still try and help me. I wondered if all those other people who arrived in their lovely cars, shiny trumpets and crispy clean uniforms on Sunday morning were happy to spend their money on the fences to keep me and my friends away from their precious back doorway.

I searched for another place, the nights were getting colder as winter rolled in. I spent my time between the cold, hard concrete of carparks or under damp trees in the park. I was getting pretty sick. My legs starting getting numb. I collapsed one morning a few weeks ago and ended up in hospital.

I was completely out of it for three days. When I woke up the Doc told me my legs would have to come off - above the knee. They got the saw out that afternoon.

So that’s where I’m at, right now. Homeless, broke and legless. Not sure what happens next.

Don’t tell me your God or that Jesus fella can help me now. His people didn’t. “

3 Comments to Not a leg to stand on

1. What a heartbreaking story of neglect by people who should do know better. Disgraceful is what they are not the poor street girl. Are you trying to tell us that an officer condoned this? God help us all.

   Peter B.
Peter B. on August 26th, 2010

2. This story IS madness. What the heck were these folks thinking?

   I second Peter’s comments.

   The other thing that sucks here is that the static from the people may have influenced the officer(s). One of the things we need most in our Army is officers with some backbone who stand up to the garbage of some corps folk.

   Don’t try to win a popularity contest, represent Christ to everyone. Sometimes, it will mean speaking truth into situations that may cause conflict.

   One of my maxims: “You can’t please everyone, so don’t try to please anyone.”

   Look what they did for the least of these. look what they did for Christ.

   Mark B.
markbraye on August 27th, 2010

3. A recent edition of an SA publication proclaimed the amazing Social Justice steps foward in terms of fair trade products being used in corps. Hey that’s great you guys but what about the “real” stuff literally at your front door. It’s so easy to do the nice clean politically correct rubbish but “our” people continue to get screwed over. Shame SA Shame.

   Alan C.
Alan C. on August 30th, 2010

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