SAVANNAH GET-AWAY

MICHAEL, 2020, Renato Rampolla

We take a quick trip to Savannah to get away from things for a few days.

First full day there, I walk and wander. This is something I do to relax.

As I do, I meet Michael who lives on the streets with his wife, “Spooky”. I sit down with them on the sidewalk and we get to know each other a bit. He said he was born and raised in Savannah.

We joked and laughed and told stories for the next hour or so. I can't help but feel a bit of guilt because here I am just visiting their town and talking with them, knowing I will go back to a warm hotel room in a few minutes and they will make their bed in the alley behind the building.

Michael and Spooky are both fighting their demons and the demons are winning for the time being. Addiction is a cruel mistress.

Spooky, 2020,

Renato Rampolla

But Michael, he has something, a look in his eye, something that says that he will win this fight. I told him that I see that in him and he listened. More that that, I think he really took what I said to heart. At least I would like to think so.

We discussed social service agencies that could help when he decides he is ready. You have to be willing to help yourself or all the social services in the world won't benefit you.

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