EP032: It takes just one person.
How to listen on my device? Episode transcript is available here
Homelessness, as everyone knows, is an extremely complicated emotional issue. Systemic societal barriers along with personal mental health issues can pull or push people into homelessness, and a dearth of affordable housing and needed services can keep them there.
The complexity of this issue can be overwhelming and have people, literally walking on by, those struggling. There can exist a feeling that solutions need to come from the government, nonprofits, and our church communities in the form of larger answers.
After all, what can one person possibly do to make a difference?
Today we are talking with Meghan, a young woman whose life direction took an abrupt and unexpected turn.
Excerpt from Episode
“I got on a plane and I never saw my mom after that, after I came home to Washington and I was so happy to see my dad. It was the first time I ever cried of being so happy. And I remember I was five or six years old and I never knew what happy tears were. And when you're experiencing an emotion for the first time. I actually remember that at six years old I got off the plane and I just, there was a crowd of people waiting, you know, for everyone else to get off the plane. And I just ran straight towards him. I tackled him to the ground and just these hot red tears. . Just so happy to see him. And I don't know, I don't, I love my mom, but it was different. I just, I think that. Kind of mean stuff that she did. I, I knew it wasn't right. I knew I was almost being her parent at five or six. Mommy, what are you doing? You know, I was already Yeah. Parenting my own mother at six years old. “ - Meghan Taylor-Smart
Meghan Taylor-Smart holding up a photo of her and Garner Thomas
Garner Thomas Obituary
Garner Thomas On Sunday, April 26th, 2020 Garner Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep at his homestead of 49 years in Lakewood, WA. He was born October 26th, 1928 in San Antonio, TX, to Cornelius and Maggie Thomas. Garner carried a "Mighty Fine" spirit throughout his life that will be greatly missed amongst every community and person that he encountered. He is survived by 4 of his children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren and preceded in death by his parents, Wife, and youngest son. Garner Thomas home going service will be held May 9th at the Mt. View funeral Home and Memorial Park. Viewing to be May 8th 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 6, 2020.
Garner Thomas - biographical sketch
Garner Thomas - Military history