Diary of a Homeless Woman, Name Abigail

As I was walking along K Street and Connecticut Avenue, in Washington, D.C., near Farragut North Metro, I noticed a woman sitting on the cold cement sidewalk. It was extremely cold with a freezing temperature of 32°. I am not sure what made me look in that direction, but I am glad I did. For a brief 10 seconds, I could not take my eyes off this woman. So, I walked across the street in her direction, just to see if this homeless woman needed help.

This homeless woman was sitting on a cardboard box with her hand resting on a shopping cart. Her shopping cart was filled up with a large black trash bag and a few smaller plastic bags. I gasped for air in sadness to see this woman living on the streets. In desperation, I had a longing desire to be this unknown homeless woman hero. As I stood before her, she had her head lowered down in shame.

My eyes became watered… She looked up at me with her button size beautiful brown eyes. At that moment, I knew this woman looked familiar, so I asked, Abigail, is that you? We have been looking for you for over five years. Oh, how I have missed you! Why are you living on the streets?

Do you remember me: I am your cousin Robin? I almost did not recognize you. We have so much to catch up on. Robin, stared at Abigail, dressed in a gray spotted shawl, soiled in dark stains. I am not sure if I remember you, said Abigail. My memory is not the best in my old age.

Are you OK, Robin said in a gentle voice? You cannot stay here; it is freezing. I live close and work a few blocks away, said Robin. Please let me help you Abigail, come and live with me, I have two children that I want you to meet, replied Robin. I named my six-year-old daughter after you, for all the kindness that you extended to me. With your permission, I can help you to get on your feet and I have a surprise for you.

Abigail replied, you are right Robin, it is very cold out here. My body is sort of use to this cold weather, but being in a warm home among family would be better. Good, I have more than enough space for you, Abigail! It will be nice to have a familiar face around. I have plenty of family stories to share with you.

Robin’s eyes started to water again as she embraced Abigail with a bear hug. Come on with me, Abigail, we are going home and you can stay as long as needed. The two of them walk two feet away from where Abigail had been sitting. Abigail turns around and walked back to where she was sitting. Robin said, “No, Abigail – I will buy you all new clothes, just leave that here.”

Abigail replied, “You do not understand…” She digs into the large black trash bag and out comes a small black notebook. Robin asked, “What is that?” This right here is my diary; a nice man gave it to me five years ago and I have had it ever since. Writing my thoughts in this small black notebook has kept me sane when no one seemed to care. Okay, now we can go, replied Abigail?

Robin and Abigail walked slowly down the street while laughing along the way. Abigail asked the question: So, why did you name your daughter after me? Yes, it is true Abigail, you and I are 10 years apart in age and you stopped the kids from bullying me by chasing them away. That meant the world to me because my teacher did not help when I complained about them. But, when I told you about the bullying, you stood up for me and they never bothered me again. Naming my daughter after you was an honor for what you did. You were my hero and now I want to be yours, said Robin.

Robin arrived at her home with Abigail and as usual two kids came running to the door with excitement. Mommy, you are home said her son, Johnathon, I made honor roll again! Robin’s daughter name Abigail said, “Mommy, yes he made the honor roll, but somebody needs to remind him about doing his chores – his bedroom looks like a windstorm came through.” Okay, kids, settle down, I have a very special family member for the two of you to meet. Kids this is my cousin Abigail, and she will be living with us. And I want you to welcome her into our home.

Sniff, sniff – Johnathan asked, “What is that smell?” Johnathan, it is probably your room, go clean it up, said his mother! Cousin Abigail asked, may I shower? Sure, let me get you something to wear, you should be able to fit my clothing. Just make yourself at home and when you are finished, I will share my surprise.

Okay, I like surprises, I remember my 10th birthday party – my parents bought me a pony when we lived in our ranch farmhouse, replied Cousin Abigail. Wow, it must have been nice to have your own pony Robin’s daughter, replied. Robin showed Abigail to the shower while fixing a quick meal of Chicken Noodle Soup with a Turkey and Swiss sandwich. When Abigail entered the dining room after her shower, everyone was waiting for her to be seated. Robin placed before Abigail a letter-sized tan envelope.

Cousin Abigail replied, “What is this?” Open it, said Robin with a smile on her face. With excitement, Abigail rips open the envelope, and tears fell from her eyes like a river. Abigail replied, who is this person that has extended kindness to me? Robin replied that was my husband who passed away. As you have seen in the letter his name was Kenon, he died after I gave birth to my daughter while serving in the Navy.

He had a large insurance policy, which was left behind. I told him about you and the heroic thing you had done by saving me from those bullying kids. He placed in his Will $20,000 as a gift to you. He would have given more, but I was pregnant with our second child, and he wanted to make sure we would have enough to live on.

Abigail cries louder, and said, “This is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me in a long time. Had you not come to me; I would have missed this life-changing gift from your husband. Abigail jumps up from the table, I want to show you something… She walks to the back room and outcomes her small black notebook and said, “Let me share within my diary about a dream I had of receiving $20,000.” Cousin Abigail was ready to share thoughts from her diary and everyone was waiting patiently.

Here, I will read it to you, said Cousin Abigail. No, let me Robin, replied! Sure, Cousin Abigail flipped through the pages of her small black notebook and this is what Robin read:

“Dear Diary, last night, January 12, 2018, I had a strange dream that a man I did not know came up to me in raggedy clothes. Strangely, it appeared as though I had known him when I did not. This man had won the lottery (a millionaire) and had been homeless for a while as well. He looked at me and said, “Here is $20,000 for you to get up on your feet.”

I did not want to seem ungrateful, but in my mind, I was thinking, “How come he did not give me more?” So, I walked away, but not without thanking him for giving me a second chance at life. The first thing I bought was a pick-up truck and then I woke up.”

Robin looked up at Cousin Abigail and said, “Your dream has come true and I wish you a happy ending for your new life. I will do whatever I can to make sure you never have to be homeless. My home is your home now! Robin’s two kids both smiled and at the same time and said, “Welcome to our home!” Cousin Abigail bowed with a heart of gratitude while holding her small black notebook and letter in her bosom. Meanwhile, everyone hugged one another and sat back down to eat their food.