Publisher's Synopsis
On the cusp of breaking into the art scene, a series of unfortunate and bizarre events left Melissa and her children homeless. Instead of falling victim to hopelessness, Melissa embraced the experience as the gonzo-journalist and Lightworker she is. By sharing the journey to reclaim her lost footing, the reader is able to vividly embrace the private domain and emotional landscape of being homeless. It includes many tales from the road as Melissa found refuge and strength from a colorful cast of characters including the grizzled "old-timers" who have long made the streets their home, young anarchists who left civilization behind to live on a mountain, a group of Rainbow Family vagabonds surviving a failing commune, and the fellow residents of the community homeless shelter where she finally found rescue and an inspirational second chance. Now back on her feet, Melissa offers this memoir as a way to provide a voice for the many people who have felt abandoned while experiencing homelessness. It sheds light on a problem that continues to plague our collective psyche and offers unique insights on how to help and most importantly, why we all need to find the courage and strength to do so. "If God had said to me, "Hey, you should definitely head out to the West Coast if you want to follow your dreams and have any shot at changing the world. You'll get to learn most of what you wanted to know about the homeless condition and maybe write a book, maybe even meet a couple people that will become lifelong friends BUT in order to accomplish this you'll have to experience all of the hardships firsthand, the bedbugs, the junkies, the fear, the hunger and physical discomfort, the loneliness, the shame..." I don't know that anyone would agree no matter how passionate their desire was to be of service. What I knew is that He would get me through it and I was right. He did. He has. I promise you, Faith is 1000 times more valuable than gold. If we literally start helping each other, this number increases exponentially."
