Homeless to a Wall Street Tycoon...

Most everyone has seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" where Will Smith stars in a true story based on a man by the name of Chris Gardner. It is a great movie as well as a touching true story of how a man who was once homeless overcame the odds to work on Wall Street. After seeing the movie your hope is for everyone who is homeless to end up like him. The truth is though not everyone can or will end up like him. There are many different types of homeless people here in Philly; some who do remind me of Chris Gardner, they have fallen into similar circumstances that with the right break their lives could turn out very much the same as his life did. Then there are those who in no way could do what Chris Gardner did because well, there just not capable due to mental illness, ability, or just were never taught life skills.

I have a friend here in Philly that is one those people. He is not mentally ill or lazy, he just was never taught basic life skills, but he is the nicest guy you will ever meet, his name is Jose. Jose is quiet, calm, and pretty much keeps to himself. About 8 months ago we helped Jose get off the streets and move into a city run personal care home. The home takes people in just like Jose and those who just can't take care of themselves no matter the circumstance. It provides them a safe place to live including room and board, meals, and a variety of activities for them to do.

I tell you this because I visited Jose today. The home was having a picnic for their residents as well as friends and family. It was an awesome picnic. They had barbecue chicken, fruit and my favorite, funnel cake. They also had game booths, a DJ, a clown and an artist who drew caricatures. I convinced Jose to get a caricature of himself and the artist made the quiet, reserved Jose into a smiling, confident Wall Street Tycoon with money in his hand and the New York City buildings in the background. The picture made Jose's day. I really enjoyed spending time with him at the picnic today and I am so thankful that he is where he is. I know that even though he will never truly be a Wall Street Tycoon he is just as happy, if not happier, than any guy on Wall Street will ever be. And for that I am thankful to the Lord.