My Favorite Number is Two
Last month I was at one of our shelter sites and I had the privilege of working with Jayden who is four years old. During our tutoring session he asked me “What is your favorite number?” I wasn’t sure what to say so I chose the number four since that is how old my student was.
Jayden looked at me and said, “My favorite number is two because that is the number on my house.” He said, “I am lucky because I live in a big house where every door has a number.” It is amazing how children see the positive amongst the storm.
I often tell our tutors we are honored guests in the “temporary homes” of our students. Jayden reminded me of that during his tutoring session. After talking about his favorite number we read books and worked on letter recognition.
As I pulled into my garage after tutoring, I thought of Jayden as I looked up and saw the number on my house. Just think about how many times you tell someone your address. For Jayden his address is room #2 in a shelter.
When families move into shelter they not only lose their homes they lose their community. Families living in shelters cannot bring their pets with them. Pets have to be given away to a family member or friend. Most of their belongings are left behind in storage. Families moving into shelter can only take a small amount of items because of the crowded condition. Each family member is allowed to bring the equivalent of two extra-large trash bags.
One night when I was preparing to leave the Evelyn House in Stoughton a taxi pulled up in front of the shelter. A mother and her 2 children got out of the taxi. They were checking into the shelter for the first time. The driver popped the trunk and started to unload five clear plastic trash bags, filled with clothes, toys and food.
That night driving home from the shelter I started to think, could I get all of my belongings into the trunk of a taxi and how could I live without my best dog Taz? Don’t forget to count your blessings next time someone asks what is your address?
Cheryl Opper, Founder and Executive Director
