This page is dedicated to a very special lady I know. Her name is Leisha Mooreland. She will never read this, in all probablity, for she is one of the homeless in San Bernardino, California. She is very close to my age, lives on the streets, and collects a couple of stray dogs from time to time. They are her companions, her lovers, her warmth. Somewhere out there she has a daughter who does not know where her mother is. She's a very sweet, loving woman, who ended up in the street because she did not know how to go about procuring any money, when the state closed so many of the mental hospitals. I never saw her begging, nor did I ever hear her ask for anything, other than a small amount of money to feed her dogs. She is not a dangerous person, and is quite interesting to talk to.
While I lived in San Bernardino, I made it a habit to hunt for her; in part to reassure myself she was alright, but also to supply her with leashes for her dogs, and when possible, give her a twenty dollar bill. I couldn't afford more and to have given her more might have endangered her life, because there were always others who were desperate enough to beat her or kill her, to get the money from her. Invariably, that money I gave was used to feed her dogs, and to find and share a small room with several lady friends of hers - for one night.
Leisha, dear friend, wherever you are - may God in His mercy watch over you. You didn't know that 2 months after I moved away, I had a heart attack and wondered how *you* were doing. You will always remain in my mind, heart and prayers.
"There, but for the Grace of God, go I."
~ Author Unknown ~
Angels are the guardians of hope and wonder,
the keepers of magic and dreams.
Wherever there is love, an Angel is flying by.
Your guardian Angel knows you inside and out
and loves you just the way you are.
Angels keep it simple and always travel light.
Remember to leave space in your relationships
so Angels have room to play.
Your guardian Angel helps you find a place
when you feel there is no place to go.
Whenever you feel lonely,
a special Angel drops sits near you.
Angels are with you every step of the way
and help you soar with amazing grace.
We are all Angels in training;
all we need to do is spread our wings and fly.
If ever you meet Leisha or another homeless person with a pet, please pass along the following story to them...
Author Unknown
There is a bridge connecting heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge is a land of meadows, hills and valleys, all of it covered with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this lovely land. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. There, the old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole once more. They play all day with each other, content and comfortable.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with the special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! Then, the nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! You have been seen, and that one suddenly runs from the group!
You take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then, together, you cross the Rainbow Bridge, never again to be separated.
