Homelessness and Cancer is a bad combination
Not every story in The Homeless Monologues has a happy ending. It would be disingenuous not to talk about some that ended badly. This is the story of my friend Don.
It’s December 2014. About a week before Christmas. I’ve lived here for more than a year. Don’t tell anyone but it’s really 18 months. I’m leaving here in about a month but I can’t think about that now. Half the people here have the flu. I don’t want to join them. This guy here…Don started it. I’ll tell you about him soon. Oh man, I’m not feeling good. Think I’ll lay down for a bit.
It’s December 2014. Christmas Eve Eve. I just went outside after being in bed for the last five days. I thought the fresh air would help so I went for a walk. I almost walked to the hospital. But I’ll be okay. Damn that Don. Wonder where he is?
It’s January 2015. I’m counting down the days until I leave here. The flu has passed. Everyone is good. Well, everyone except Don. He’s in the hospital. I hope he’s okay.
Let me tell you about Don. He doesn’t talk much. He’s always either reading a novel or working a word-find puzzle. He keeps to himself and doesn’t bother anyone. Whatever works.
He’s at the shelter because he’s been unemployed for a long time. No job means no money. Oh yeah, he also has a heart condition. Oh yeah, he’s also a recovering alcoholic. If this was a hockey game, all your hats would be on the stage right now. It’s the hat trick of homelessness.
It’s January 2015. No sign of Don. I asked some of the staff about him. They don’t know. No one knows. I think it’s time for a road trip. We’re at Stroger Hospital with a get well card and a word-search puzzle book. I’ve been on better road trips. There’s Don. He’s unconscious and ten doctors and nurses are working on him. They’re keeping him as comfortable as possible. Cancer. Pancreatic Cancer.
It’s January 2015. About a week later. Dinner is over. Let’s get the announcements over. Oh No! Don died last night. I look around and everyone seems okay.
I’m not okay. I can’t stop crying. I don’t know if it’s because of Don or if it’s the two year journey that got me to this point….probably both. I’m okay now…I think.
It’s April 2018. It’s been three years since Don died. I’ve been gone from the shelter the same amount of time. Life is pretty good. Only minor complaints. Every so often, I look back and remember those sad days. Never forget. It’s good not to forget. It makes you stronger and the hard times give you character. I’m just sorry that Don can’t tell you his own story. I think I’ll do one of those word-search puzzles.
Tonight is the 2nd annual presentation of The Homeless Monologues, a benefit for Lincoln Park Community Services . It's at the Goodman Theater in Chicago and is SOLD OUT!! Thanks to those who bought tickets to the event. Your money goes to help provide shelter and other services to those in the homeless community.