Growing up, I could never have imagined that one day my children and I would be homeless, lost in a prejudiced world. But it happened and I want to write my experience, as it occurs often, but is never addressed.
It was late October 1965 -- the leaves were on the ground, and the town of Douglas was preparing for the cold. We had moved to Douglas a month before and now lived in an apartment building downtown, as it was all I could afford at the time. Working full-time as a nurse in the regional hospital, my children, Michael and Laura, spent their days at school.
Monday brought rain and forgetfulness. Consequently, during my lunch break, I scrambled home to grab my disregarded wallet, only to find Mr. Duke at my door. Bustling down the rest of the unkempt hallway, I approached him. “You’ve been evicted,” he blatantly stated, “Be out by tomorrow Miss Caroline.” …show more content…
What are you saying?” This was a sadistic joke.
“Listen here, you can’t just come ‘round here and ruin lives. Mrs. Lansky says you’re mighty too friendly with her husband. We don’t want your kind screwing everythin’ up.” Accusation flashed across his face.
“Mr. Duke, you know I did nothing wrong.” I felt that he wouldn’t let my children and I stay, but one day would never be enough time to find somewhere to stay. Living here for such a brief time, there was nobody to turn to. “Please give me more time.”
“I know zilch about you. You best be gone by tomorrow” He replied, walking away. The tension tore through my heart and I felt a tangible presence in by lungs. What was I going to tell my
It was late October 1965 -- the leaves were on the ground, and the town of Douglas was preparing for the cold. We had moved to Douglas a month before and now lived in an apartment building downtown, as it was all I could afford at the time. Working full-time as a nurse in the regional hospital, my children, Michael and Laura, spent their days at school.
Monday brought rain and forgetfulness. Consequently, during my lunch break, I scrambled home to grab my disregarded wallet, only to find Mr. Duke at my door. Bustling down the rest of the unkempt hallway, I approached him. “You’ve been evicted,” he blatantly stated, “Be out by tomorrow Miss Caroline.” …show more content…
What are you saying?” This was a sadistic joke.
“Listen here, you can’t just come ‘round here and ruin lives. Mrs. Lansky says you’re mighty too friendly with her husband. We don’t want your kind screwing everythin’ up.” Accusation flashed across his face.
“Mr. Duke, you know I did nothing wrong.” I felt that he wouldn’t let my children and I stay, but one day would never be enough time to find somewhere to stay. Living here for such a brief time, there was nobody to turn to. “Please give me more time.”
“I know zilch about you. You best be gone by tomorrow” He replied, walking away. The tension tore through my heart and I felt a tangible presence in by lungs. What was I going to tell my