Our Homeless Experience 9: A Comparison of the Little Things.

It may seem like nothing to some. It may be normal for you. But living in the shelter, strange things became normal for us.

1: For four days, there have been no police cars in front of our home. At the shelter, we saw them every. Single. Day.

Explaining that violence and drama are things some people are drawn to is an uncomfortable conversation at best.

2: Our protector is with us. We were in the most dangerous area of the city, and he couldn't be with us. Hiro is fiercely protective of the children and I. And where was he? Banished to the camper. Or, when someone threatened to steal him, the animal shelter (doggie jail) and then foster care.

He has not left my side since he came home. He refused to eat when I was at work today, the window covered in slobber and drool.

3: Safely playing in their own front yard. I never EVER let the trio out of my sight at the shelter. Even when they went to the after school program, I was there with them.

Here they can be normal kids, building snowmen and playing with the neighbor kids. Going out and not needing mama standing down their necks. Instead I can clean in peace, checking on them every few minutes.

4: Windows! The simple things, right? In the shelter we were underground. The window was an eggress, so far above I couldn't touch the bottom, even on tippy toe.

Now we have a sparkling view of the city at night, and a view of the harbor in the daytime!

5: Last, but most important, PEACE AND QUIET!!!

Three whole nights with NO fights, NO neighbors screaming, NO police stomping up and down the hall, NO women crying in the hallway, NO slamming doors!

I haven't slept this well in months! Holy crap!

We need a few more things settled around here, we need furniture, a shower curtain (lol) and the last bit of our family returns to us on Friday, our mama dog, Ella.

We. Are. Home.