I felt I didn’t deserve things

 When I asked Ray to tell me about his childhood, he said, “My childhood was okay.” After chatting for a while he then shared, “My dad left when I was 5 years old. He drank and was physically abusive to my mom. They both drank too much. When my step dad showed up, he was abusive to us kids.” I thought to myself, how does Ray think his childhood was okay?

As if reading my mind, Ray tells me he understands now as an adult that they were doing the best they could, working through their own issues, most likely their own trauma. He sees the destructiveness of holding onto anger.

Ray is of the Cheyenne Arapaho, Yakima, and Shawnee Creek Tribes. He is a gentle and profoundly good man. You hear gratefulness in all of his conversations.

He grew up in Oklahoma, eventually moving to Seattle. For most of his early adult life he turned to alcohol and art to cope with his childhood feelings. Today most of his family has found sobriety, including himself with 6 months now free from his addiction. He credits the turnaround to the love shared with his girlfriend Sabina and his relationship with God.

I asked Ray what he learned living through so many difficult years. He paused for a good while and then said, “Always help people. You never know what somebody is going through. We need each other in difficult times. I know I benefited from the kindness of others.” Then another long pause, and he said, “ When you share it always comes back around. Maybe not when you expect it, but it does come back. I know that has been the case for me.”

Ray was helped greatly by both non-profit organizations Chief Seattle Club and Real Change. “They were there for me when I needed it most. They put the time in that is needed to get to know the people they work with. They really see you. It makes a difference.”

 Ray and Sabina now have housing after years living homeless. Their lives for the first time are beautifully moving forward. Sabina is still selling Real Change Newspaper and Ray makes artful bead gifts for her to sell with the paper. He also wants to get back to playing guitar. Sabina wants to sew curtains and things for their new place. They are so happy together it makes your whole face smile!

*UPDATE! Both the guitar and sewing machine have been donated. Thanks so much for this kindness!!
ASK - If you have a guitar, preferably an electric one, that is no longer getting used, consider gifting it to Ray. AND, if you have a working sewing machine, also no longer getting used, consider gifting it to Sabina. To arrange, call Rex 206-330-1142.

 Thank you Ray for sharing your thoughts and feelings with all of us. I’m so very glad to hear you now know you deserve goodGOOD things in your life. You are so very worth it!

So much LOVE to you Ray & Sabina.