Homeless friend advice

[liznshay]

No but, having Diane's number and people to come out is just soooo cool! BTW she told me tonight that she has hope for the first time in seven years!

Big XO to you all,
Liz

Can she use an ap on her phone, like google maps to spot the latitude/logitude location?

 

[95Astro]

After reading all these responses, i find that not only do i want to give the subject of these posts a big hug and tell her everything is going to be okay but also to give big hugs to all of you kind and generous people. You are restoring my faith in humanity. I need to get away from big city life.

-John

 

[DrJean]

Oh add to that 1st aid kit: some pepto and also immodium. I can't really take either but always had it for others taking my camping trainings... and being alone without help, she'd want immediate control in case.

 

[sassypickins]

liznshay, in response to your questions about using google maps:  Yes. That's what I meant in my earlier post.  I probably mistakenly called it 'satellite'.  She can practice on this where you are now.  Open map, enter some latitude/longitude numbers.  Add current location and ask for driving directions by clicking on the little blue road 'turn' sign on the map.  This starts the trip, providing verbal and mapped driving directions reasonably close -- though sometimes these apps can get a little goofy.  Once it tried to take me down a railroad track access road out in the middle of nowhere.  Zooming in on the satellite view helps though. I find myself pulling over a lot to check what my map is trying to tell me.  Oh, get a holder for the phone so it can be visually close on the dash somewhere.  Or velcro it.  And keep it charging with a 12v phone charger.

A good road atlas is valuable -- Bob Wells recommends National Geographic, Benchmark, DeLorme.

It is good to know that your friend -- can we know her first name? -- has a smart phone!  There are both free and for purchase apps for travelers.  Cyndi mentioned some for camping in post #32 above.  If there is time, your friend's phone center could help her clear unused/unwanted apps off her phone so she is sure to have room for ones more important to mobile living.  Maybe members could advise here about various free apps?  I use Gas Buddy to plan my gas stops, for instance.

Sassy

 

[DrJean]

I really like my Garmin with lifetime map updates. Choose the voice... and basic settings.
I have trouble with my iPhone map aps including google....and then, I don't want the government tracking me that well anyway.

 

[liznshay]

Her name is Kathleen, she is planning to arrive on Wednesday around mid day/early afternoon. She will have Diane and Lori's number. She is driving a later 90's white ford escort station wagon.

Everything is going well getting her reorganized and supplied up. We are both getting excited about her new adventure. My partner has helped to get her more savy on her cell too. Today we went through all her stuff and got it into bins and threw out stuff and she did really well...I am being very pushy to get things done while she is her and god bless her for putting up with it. And we have had incredible conversations and she is amazing for letting me play amature therapist.

I was really stressed about her situation, I am a caregiver for my life partner who is disabled and dealing with a devestating illness, so I have my own limitations and as a camp host can only have a visitor for so long. I was worried about the strain it would be for my partner, but they get along famously and Kathleen's mood has greatly changed in the last few days. And my partner has been able to deal with all the chaos like a really champ.

Today when we got all of kathleen's things in the bins, her new kitchen kit packed, the bed platform built, and her little library of books get to come along too, I just felt an incredble sense of release. I finally admitted to her how scared I was, all the fear and dread I was feeling and that it all lifted, which she had no idea about because I am a master at comparmetalization and of course will only tell after the fact so as not to stress her out and have her feel like a burden. I could see that it was all coming together, seeing her transform in such a short time. Now this is a real thing that is going to happen! A big fat phew!

The fact is you all really helping two people here. My parter and I hope one day to come out and boondock with ya all and give a very personal thanks to helping me help a very special woman in my life. 

A very big non dominational blessing/hug/love to all of you.

Liz

 

[liznshay]

I got a message from Kathleen it sounds like she will be arriving on Thursday afternoon. I believe she is only 2-3 hours away so I would think she will arrive 1-3PM. She accidently went the long way.

Diane's private message is full. so if anyone sees this before her, and can let her know...thanks
Liz

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I got a message from Kathleen it sounds like she will be arriving on Thursday afternoon. I believe she is only 2-3 hours away so I would think she will arrive 1-3PM. She accidently went the long way.

Diane's private message is full. so if anyone sees this before her, and can let her know...thanks
Liz

I will await her phone call.

 

[jimindenver]

Oh add to that 1st aid kit: some pepto and also immodium. I can't really take either but always had it for others taking my camping trainings... and being alone without help, she'd want immediate control in case.

It may sound odd but I would add UTI test strips to a first aid kit. They sell them at Walgreens and can either ease your mind or tell you when it's time to seek help. My mom would get them and wait to go see the doctor to be tested, she went septic so many times it eventually was what killed her.

 

[DannyB1954]

Draagonflyinthesky, I tried to PM you but your message box is full. If Kathleen needs something to prepare her for the long haul, I may be able to fund it. Clear some space in your PM box and we can chat about it.

 

[liznshay]

It may sound odd but I would add UTI test strips to a first aid kit. They sell them at Walgreens and can either ease your mind or tell you when it's time to seek help. My mom would get them and wait to go see the doctor to be tested, she went septic so many times it eventually was what killed her.

That is not odd at all. I am so sorry about your mom.

 UTI's are a serious issue for a lot of people I know, being that my partner is partially paralyzed, but for able body people it is still an issue not to be ignored and I think your sad cautionary tale undelines this wise advice. Thank you, it a great adition to any first aid kit, mobile or not.

 

[liznshay]

Draagonflyinthesky, I tried to PM you but your message box is full. If Kathleen needs something to prepare her for the long haul, I may be able to fund it. Clear some space in your PM box and we can chat about it.

Thank you, that is so kind of you to offer. At this point I pretty much got her set up not to fail so to speak. Only a few items are needed such as a folding chair, pot holder, a more complete first aid kit. But I know she would prefer to do that on her own, unless it was something someone were getting rid of.

She just called and will be there about mid day, she is 100 miles away. 

Liz

 

[rvpopeye]

I think a lot of us have become caught up in her new adventure and it will be great to see she made it to Ehrenberg !
On Thanksgiving Day no less. Just in time for dinner..............
I'd love to see her reaction after she discovers the reality of the gathering , even if it is just a small group there.
I'm sure Diane and the rest will give her warm welcome !

 

[LilRedWagon]

Did she make it? I have been watching this thread and cheering her on. You guys are awesome. Hoping my turn comes soon!

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

She's fine and quite delightful.Found her and she joined our dinner

 

[rvpopeye]

Made it home , safe !

 

[liznshay]

I see Diane has already given a sweet update. I spoke to Kathleen last night, she was amazed at how kind and sweet everyone is.  I asked if she feels safe and she said absolutely. She has not felt safe for over two years, until she stayed with me and now I am so happy to know that she feels the same with all of the folks there. It was a rough trip and she has been full of doubts. She is not in the best health and such but she did it! I am sure she is still questioning everything, since this is completely new territory but the gang is obviously an incredible collection of caring folks who will help get her up to par! 

Liz

 

[liznshay]

Kathleen asked me to let people know the following:

If anyone who has been following this thread is afraid, lost, feeling hopeless, thinks they are too old, too sick...but can make it down here, she will meet you at the Flying J in Ehrenberg AZ, bring you to the campsite and help you get into this new life just like she has been helped. 

She is 71, needs to sit down often as she is not in the best health...but she wants you to know you can do this too!

Even if you don;t have that much just come on down and you can figure out the rest there. 

She was hopeless and living in her car waiting to get into a homeless shelter in the city, then that turned out to be a scary experience and she was left with only one option in her head.

Now she is looking forward to her new life, excited and already looking to help others.

Pretty amazing turn around. 

Thanks Diane and Lori, I really feel so greatful for all you have done to help make this story turn out so well. And thanks to all who have met Kathleen or cheered her on from afar. 

Liz

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Kathleen has quickly become a useful and strong part of our tribe. We value her input. When more gather she may find another tribe or stay with us. The nature of us, we trave!l loosely and meet up at different times and places. Kathleen is stronger than you may realize and like many of us, with a little support, she will be able to step in and help others, as she has already offered.
Dragonfly

 

[rvpopeye]

It doesn't take long to adapt to a lifestyle that is right for you !