The F.H.B.s * in my life # 10…Don Quixote of Houston

“Hey sister…” This became a familiar call to me whenever I went across Hemphill Street from the ARC residence to the offices. Rodriguez a short, stout Hispanic man about age 53 living in the streets, would call out to me whenever he saw me. Rodriguez was friendly and loved by all who encountered him. I…

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The F.H.B.s * in my life #9”…dying a free man “

Larry, was a small, quiet, unassuming man in his late 50’s who had spent most of his adult life in prison in Alabama. He had a deep love for children although he had never married and had no children of his own. His work assignment was in the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Houston, TX.…

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The F.H.B.s * in my life #8…“Born Loser”

I became committed to the Prime for Life DUI/Risk Reduction program during instructor training in July of 1999. However, I didn’t really understand the impact that the program could have on any one individual until several months later. I was teaching a class out in Paulding County, GA when my eyes were really opened to…

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The F.H.B.s * in my life # 7… Culinary Culture Clash

Culinary culture clash

My very good friend M. C. is one of the dearest, brightest people I have ever had the pleasure of having in my life. She has spent most of her life lovingly caring for others. Although a great cook, she has never really ventured out into foods from other ethnic groups such as Mexican, Italian,…

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The Burden

His muscles ached from the weight he carried. The skin on his shoulders tore from the splintered wood. His body was bruised and bled from the stones they threw. His heart strained within his body, the crowd jeered. Then… a hand touched his bleeding shoulder, As He turned He saw love on the face of…

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The F.H.B.s * in my life 6…“Working Woman”

Working Woman

Derwin (known as DJ) was admitted into the Houston Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center’s program in October of 1985, seeking assistance for his cocaine and alcohol addictions. This was early in my substance abuse career, as I had only been the Centers Program Director a few months. The first weekend he was a resident of…

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The F.H.B.s * in my life # 5… Most arrested drunk in Miami

FHB#5

One morning in the fall of 1985, at the Houston Adult Rehabilitation Center, sitting at his desk in full Salvation Army uniform, was our Chaplain; Francis D.  He was a very stocky man with white hair and dark rimmed glasses and a strong New England accent. He told me that he was from New England,…

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The F.H.B.s * in my life #4… Driving Two Cars Today

My husband Gene & I purchased our home in the north Georgia Mountains on Monday December 12, 1994.  By Saturday morning, we were all moved in and about to get ready for our first Christmas in our new home. Gene had to go into town to an auto parts store and asked if I’d like…

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