My brother Buddy should be 53 today, November 30th, 2021. He was brilliant, gifted with the ability to learn languages simply by reading a textbook. He loved languages and the cultures behind them. His advanced cognitive abilities led him to the University of Washington at 14, thus skipping high school and many of the social experiences a teenager encounters. He soon found it difficult to relate to others and often on the fringes of society.

Struggles with where to live started in his late teens. He sought peace (and work) in Asia, but constantly felt himself looking in on society from the outside. He found solace in words, with both reading and writing sustaining him. But steady, profitable work was never part of his story.

Our extended family supported him in a myriad of different ways over the years. From my parents, my four siblings, the grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins, all wanting him to find peace.

Cancer killed him far too earlier and I often wonder how much his struggles with homelessness and other financial difficulties led to his death. I will never know the answer, but it pains me when I think of anyone not having a bed to call their own and the negative effects that has on their health.

Giving money is only a small part of the equation to solve homelessness. Awareness, communication, praying, hard work plus many other ingredients need to go towards the solution. I slept on the floor last night and spent a lot of time praying and thinking about what I can do. So I am putting out the call to join this cause, spend a night without a bed, donate what you can, and then share your story.

Blessings, 

Derek