by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: January 19, 2012   Last Updated: May 06, 2012

Mary couldn't believe their good fortune. Their family had found a home and they were moving out of Tent City. Knowing how blessed they were she and her little 12 year old brother helped their mom and dad divide up the extra things that they could pass on to the others in Tent City, those who had not been as fortunate.

The move into the small bungalow meant that the mill where their dad worked would be closer now and their dad would return home again. Mary had watched her parents struggle and was relieved that their perseverance had paid off and they were getting back on their feet again.

During their time in Tent City, Mary had worked with the Community workers and she found that she became more involved with the lives of those who struggled and lacked the fortunate circumstances that many others were blessed with. With the support of the professional Social Workers she had met, she was encouraged to enter the local junior college and to begin her education toward becoming a Social Worker.

Now that all the boxes had been unpacked it looked like home again. She carefully hung her little black dress that her family had given her on her last birthday. In the bright light of her bedroom she was able to appreciate the fine detail of the fabric, and tried it on once again to see if it still fit.

Mary's brother was doing well in school and becoming pretty much independent. Mary, couldn't help but feel the ties that she had to Tent City and had trouble closing that door. Although they were happy in their home. She wondered about Tent City and whether their propane tanks were full enough to last them during the cold spell. And if there were enough volunteers to bring them food donations.

Mary learned much while living in Tent City. Although humbled by the experience, she herself had grown. She learned that the stronger and focused residents would have to dig them self out of despair and meet life head on. She vowed when she was out in the world as a social worker, she would direct those with addictions to the locations where they could get help. She would always be non-judgmental that was just because she was Mary.

Spring came and her life had a new rhythm she would alternate volunteering in Tent City with her work in the offices of community services. One day she found in her mailbox an envelope of fine parchment paper addressed to her. She opened it with much excitement and the embossed letters left her breathless, they invited her to a black tie event. An event

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