Their Shoes #7

Dwaine’s shoes were donated to him. “Brother Jimmy passed them over to me.” What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “It’s not what you think…it’s that I don’t have enough funds to help others out and that I’ve no money for further education. I’d like to get a degree.” “With me,…

Update on my Friend, Jane!

Remember my friend, Jane? The one who dreamed of racing the Ironman in Hawaii? She kept her goal even after breaking her back a few years ago. She started from zero. Literally baby steps at the beginning. Well, the race is done. Let me share  Jane’s thoughts of her race day with you. “My whole time in Hawaii…

Thousand Word Thursdays #6

Busy bird on a dreary November morning. Windsor, Ontario. © Rita Jacques 2016

Their Shoes- #6

Chris’s shoes were donated by the homeless shelter. Chris works at a grocery store, corralling buggies. He also volunteers on his days off at the shelter, serving food and washing dishes. What do you think is the biggest struggle facing the poor on a daily basis? “The biggest problem for them is being hungry.  Often…

Kazuko: Japanese for “Harmony”-#2

  After graduating from the ESL (English as a Second Language) program, Kazuko was informed she could attend school two years further to obtain her high school diploma. Two more years! She was almost 36 years old at the time! Kazuko thought back to what her life would’ve been like if she’d never come to…

“Kazuko”: Japanese for “Harmony”-#1

My text to hubby: “The new pool has free wifi!” Hubby’s text to me: “U do know ur phone isn’t waterproof, right?” It was my first time swimming laps at the new pool in town. I loved it except for the cramped changing quarters. I glanced up from texting to see an older Asian woman.…

Thousand Word Thursdays #5

Graffiti on a garage door by an alley in Windsor, Ontario. © Rita Jacques 2016

Their Shoes- #5

  Anthony (or “Big Ant” as he’s fondly called) received his red Jordan shoes from a friend. Big Ant works security at Caesars Windsor and is an operations manager at the homeless shelter. He helps out with cooking to feed 200 people a day, serves clients , distributes hygiene kits, washes dishes and does whatever…

Mission Accomplished!

Some days you need a reminder of challenges you’ve overcome. Even if it was a minor struggle as a young child. On my desk is a tiny badge with the word “Junior” on it; the “r” no longer visible. It’s a swimming badge earned long ago. It’s nothing big in the grand scheme of things.…

Thousand Word Thursdays #4

End of the season butterfly bush blooms with pink daisies. Windsor, Ontario. © Rita Jacques 2016