When talking with individuals who are living on the street, we hear stories about others they have come to know over the years who have passed away. I could not anticipate how quickly the news of someone passing from this community would make its way to me. Over the past five months, I was able to meet and get to know an amazing woman, hear about her struggles and watch her each week try to overcome them. Jen was in her 30’s and struggled with cirrhosis of the liver. The first time I met her, she looked 9 months pregnant and the whites of her eyes were yellow. Before I could even ask, she informed me that she was not pregnant, but had a medical condition of her liver that made her appear that way.
When we would visit one of the homeless hangouts, Jen would walk up with a smile and brighten everyone’s day. Jen was one of two homeless women that I have met. The guys that were in her camp and that she knew were very protective and would look out for her. They were like brothers to her and had become her family. Over the last month, when we asked about Jen, we were told that she was in the hospital in South Carolina. She had gone home over Thanksgiving and wound up in the hospital in an induced coma following surgery. I received a text yesterday from one of the guys at her camp, informing me that she had passed away and wanted to know if I could send him a picture that was taken with them both.
I went to the hangout last night and met with three of her friends. I took some warm clothing to assist them with the cold weather we are having over the next week and although they are sad that Jen is no longer with them, they expressed how grateful they were to know her and that she is now in a much better place. This is a part of life for them. They get to know others who are living on the street, invite them into their community and look out for them, never knowing when will be the last time they see or speak to them.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve the loss of Jen, along with her family and two young children.