I spent all of my energy, and most of my day trying to get into a shelter and to the location… Now, I had no idea what to expect, so, let me give you some idea how the day went.

First, I called to get a recommendation, then gave my info and waited for an email. After an hour with no email, I called back. There was a mistake. They sent it this time. Progress! (I’ve been trying to get into or info on shelters for months, no one would talk to me)

Had to take the bus to Fullerton, so I pulled up Google maps. No directions for orange county today (problem on Google’s end)… The bus system in orange county is absolutely incomprehensible, so, I hopped a bus in the general direction I needed to go. Bus driver was able to help.

Got to the place I needed to wait an hour early. Talked to some people while I waited. There were some with physical or mental issues, but the vast majority of the people seemed perfectly healthy and lucid, they’d just rather live like this than work. Seriously! I was shocked… I’ve been looking for work non-stop and have nothing to show for it. Anyway, the bus arrives, and we line up… About half the people fit. I ask if that means I’ll be sleeping on the sidewalk tonight, driver says 2nd bus on the way. That bus I get on, but it’s busting at the seams.

We arrive at a large building that appears to be some support building for the national guard? Anyway, it’s basically a large, square concrete pad with a roof over it.

By this time I’m already exhausted from the day. After waiting in line, I get the privilege of having someone paw through everything I own. They confiscate a few things…

As you may, or may not know, I’ve been using a small amount of medical marijuana before bed for around 5 years. It’s the only thing that keeps the seizure activity in check, as an added bonus, it helps me fall asleep and stay asleep (two things I’ve always had issues with). My epilepsy can be severely worsened by stress, physical sickness, and lack of sleep. When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I found that this also helped the morning stiffness (still from taking it before bed, Marijuana is a powerful antiinflamitory! The more you know!)

Anyway, as you can imagine, they confiscated my medical marijuana, prescription drugs, and knives. Fortunately, since I am a licensed medical patient, I’ll get it back, but it still leaves several problems in its wake.

I get in and see the scope of what a shelter is at its heart. 300 people sleeping back to back on the concrete (the mats help a bit) with no pillow (didn’t have room in my bag for a pillow).

Normally I go to bed about the time it gets dark… It’s pretty late for me. Tried sleeping for an hour, nothing… Wide awake. Read Bible for an hour. I’m still not sleepy at all… Though I am exhausted…

I’m guessing tomorrow is going to be rough… Lying on something hard is certainly going to cause a painful day, and my brain may be extra glitchy… The time is now upon me when I’m going to have to choose between sleeping on a sidewalk, or having seizures. This version of Would You Rather isn’t nearly as fun as I remember…

Next time I’m gonna start sharing some of the amazing things I’ve worked on in the last couple of years. If you’re reading this, I could use prayer… Not even sure what I need anymore… Remember that scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, where the whole town is praying for George Bailey? GEORGE BAILY ME UP, please. 🙂

-LeRoy

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