My Gains and Losses

by Julian, Santa Clara

I’ve gained and lost a lot being in the streets, I’ve lost my freedom, family friends, money, support, along with many other things. 

Unfortunately, those are the consequences. Losing a loved one to the streets is one of the hardest things to deal with whether that means to violence, addiction, poverty, etc. I regret the things I’ve missed out due to my actions. Until this day I’m still missing out on the things like I should be there for like the birth of my child. There was a point in time where I had nothing but my neighborhood so it’s hard to let go of something that has been there for you when no one else was, despite all the agony it’s caused me. 

But still I continue to rise above the surface as I strive everyday making the best out of what I got.