Cold

Posted on January 10, 2005 1 Comment

While riding the Metra this morning a cold, snow-covered Chicago passed by my window. As I noticed the mounting heaps of gray covering the terrain outside, my thoughts turned to the city’s homeless population. I felt my pink windburned cheeks, trying to imagine what it must feel like to loose shelter, to sleep outside on a blanket in the freezing black night.

My thoughts turn to my father, a seasoned Chicago cop, who has this to say, “If those people were clean (meaning drug-free), they would have a place to stay.” Indeed, numerous charity workers canvas the streets on the coldest of nights, trying to bring warmth and light to the city’s underbelly. But there are still people who won’t take the shelter – they have a record, they don’t want to get clean, pride gets in the way. I can’t even begin to comprehend the reasons why someone would refuse a warm bed.

I complain about the costs associated with my lifestyle. My electric bill, which includes the heat, was $190 in December, up from the usual $75. I needed new boots, new gloves, a new hat. My sweaters from last season came out of storage with ugly holes in them. I need a vacation to see the sun.

Despite my complaints about the cost to pay winter bills and keep myself comfortable, I confess that I am blessed. I am reminded of my luck each night as I lie under a warm feather blanket, my cat purring above my head. The heat might cost a ton, and may not work as well as I hoped, but I am loved and I have shelter. And for that I am thankful. I hope you are too.

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