Chicken Soup for the Soul

by Amy Newmark

  Turning to Joyce, I mustered enthusiasm and said, “We can clean this up and fix it up very nicely. With some fresh paint and new curtains, this can be very charming. Trust me, we will transform this place… Think of it as our own home-makeover show! This will be fun.” I don’t know if I really convinced Joyce, but she needed a home, and this was the only one being offered for free. So, with a hesitant hope bordering on skepticism, she agreed.

  After convincing Joyce that we could pull off a miracle, I tried my best to convince myself.

  Joyce, who became and remains one of my dear friends, had already had a lifetime of overcoming obstacles. Her past included a drug addiction and jail time. At the time we began work on the little trailer, I was just getting to know her, but I knew Joyce had been sober for several years. Still, the trials of her past required some encouragement. After such a rough life, Joyce needed reassurance of her own value and capabilities.

  For my part, I needed to learn to look past her past, which was difficult for me. I had very little positive experience with anyone who had battled addiction or served time incarcerated. Previously, during the time I volunteered for the Inland AIDS Project, I had encountered one man who had dealt with both. He was a good man, an inspiring individual who used his life experiences to help others. But he was a rarity among the multitudes, and I knew, or knew about, far more people with such challenges who couldn’t be trusted.

  Given all of this, Joyce was going to be a lesson to me in more than just the test of a trailer makeover and turning it into a suitable home. I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. Was I up to the challenge of seeing past someone’s “past”? But there was more to think about here — Joyce had an eight-year-old son who needed a stable home life. For both Joyce and myself, the opportunity to help Robbie have that stability overcame our hesitation.

  And so we began, with more chutzpah than ability, and took on the job of turning the musty, little trailer into something livable.

  I had a little experience in such things. I had helped paint several homes before, and I had painted many theater sets, but none of those had presented much difficulty because they were simple, straightforward jobs. Painting a flat wall in a house or painting a flat for theater scenery is relatively easy because you have a lot of space to work with, and they are generally clean enough to not require much attention before setting to work.

  But the trailer was small, cramped and incredibly filthy. Joyce and I spent a week just cleaning, and it didn’t appear much better after we had cleaned than before we had started. Surveying our work, Joyce asked doubtfully, “Is it just because it needs to be painted?” I looked at the dingy walls before answering brightly, “Oh, yes! A new coat of paint will fix everything right up!” But I spoke with more hope than assurance.

  In truth, the new paint did help a lot. The dead flies were cleaned up, the counters were scrubbed, and new curtains were hung. All of the dirt and pet hair was removed. Joyce’s cousin put in new flooring, and the place began to look livable. We rejoiced the day we attached the water line and water flowed from the kitchen tap. I even managed to light the cantankerous propane water heater. The furnace turned out to work perfectly, and a window air conditioner was more than adequate to cool the entire trailer.

  A person is more than just a chapter from the story of her life.

  But even more inspiring than the blossoming trailer was Joyce’s growing confidence. She began to see possibilities where before she had seen only dead ends. And I found that she was someone I really liked. She was funny and caring and would do anything for her son. The Joyce of the past had been replaced by a mother willing to work to make a future for her family. The little trailer became more than just a place to live. It became a symbol of rebirth.

  And through it all, I learned that a person is more than just a chapter from the story of her life. It’s the entire story of that life that matters, along with the authorship of that life story, which lies in each of our hands.

  Now, years later, Joyce and Robbie no longer live in the little trailer, but it was there for them when they needed it. Joyce’s life has reaped the rewards of a faith in God and a faith in herself. Today, she is an office manager and medical sales representative. Her past gives her a unique compassion and ability to see the good that sometimes lies deeply buried in people. She sees the possibilities in people, where others only see dead ends.

  And along the road of this journey was a little trailer asking only to be given a chance, to be seen as a possibility. That little trailer, neglected and dirty, fly-strewn and forlorn, blossomed with a little attention, love, and elbow grease. Against all the odds, it helped a mother and her son when they needed it most. It helped a woman reach inside herself and find who she could be for both herself and her son. It started a new and better chapter in someone’s life.

  It became a place to call home.

  — Jack Byron —

  Meet Our Contributors

  Heidi Allen is the founder of the Positive People Army. What began as a blog has rapidly become a positive social media global movement with thousands of people from all over the world working together to make a positive difference.

  Monica A. Andermann lives and writes on Long Island where she shares a home with her husband Bill and their little tabby Samson. Her work has appeared in such publications as Sasee, Woman’s World and Guideposts as well as many editions in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

  Fifteen-year-old Adam Avin created Wuf Shanti to teach mindfulness so kids can live in health, wellness, peace and positivity and to help them cope with emotions, stress and to interact with kindness. He founded the Kids’ Association for Mindfulness in Education, and the Mindful Kids Peace Summit. Adam gave a TEDxYouthTalk about mindfulness.

  Lacey L. Bakker has always been an avid reader. She loves reading all genres, spending time with her cats Simba and Sebastien, and with her husband Adam. She enjoys traveling, movies, and playing with her nephews and niece.

  Kerrie R. Barney is a full-time student at Central New Mexico Community College where she is working towards earning a business degree. Her book, Life, the Universe, and Houseplants, about her humorous adventures growing houseplants, is available for sale online.

  Barbara Bartocci is the author of nine published books and many articles in major national magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, etc. She is a nationally known speaker and also leads memoir-writing workshops. E-mail her at bhbartocci@icloud.com.

  Brenda Beattie is a retired letter carrier, chaplain, and self-published author. Her books, Finding Sacred Ground In The Daily Grind and The Case Of The Missing Letter, are available online. She feels blessed and is enjoying retirement life in sunny Florida with her husband.

  Stephanie Blank is a writer, artist, business owner and storyteller. She resides in Marina del Rey, CA where she runs her home-accessory business appropriately named Blankety Blank Designs.

  Joan M. Borton is passionate about strengthening families affected by disability. She has been married to Jerry since 1995. When faced with a little downtime you will find Joan reading in her hammock, swimming, biking, or working on a jigsaw puzzle. Follow her blog at www.joanborton.com.

  Lori Kempf Bosko has two grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law and four funny, amazing grandchildren. She graduated, with honors, from the Journalism Program at Grant MacEwan College in 1990 and enjoys writing, traveling, photography, and spending time with family and friends. Lori lives in Edmonton, Canada.

  LaTonya Branham was born in Dayton, OH. She received a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change, two M.A. degrees, and a B.S. degree. She is an administrator, educator, and author. Dr. Branham has previously been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She is happily married to Morton. Learn more at LaTonyaBranham.com.

  Jack Byron received his degree in commercial illustration and has published art criticism in addition to his writing for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Always one to enc
ourage others to write, he believes that the best writing is written first in our day-to-day lives before ever being committed to paper.

  Kristine Byron worked for Tupperware Home Parties for over twenty-two years. Many of those years were spent as a motivational trainer for their distributorship. She has tried to pass on her positive attitude to her children and grandchildren.

  Leah Cano received her B.A. in Spanish at UC Irvine and Masters of Education at UC Santa Cruz. She is retired and lives in Laguna Beach, CA. In addition to writing, she is a textile artist with an Etsy shop named Sweptaway. E-mail her at leahmc@hotmail.com or visit her shop at www.sweptaway.etsy.com.

  Amy Michels Cantley received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Rollins College and is completing her MLIS degree at the University of South Florida. She works as a librarian and leads a writing group. She enjoys a good hike with her husband, reading, and painting. She writes memoir, poetry, and nonfiction essays.

  Sheena Carach is the mother of three amazing children, Naudia, Zach and Tyler, and the wife to Jacob. She is a dedicated mom and president of I DONUT need a reason to THANK a cop, Inc. a nonprofit founded by her youngest child. She enjoys writing, photography and living life to the fullest. She loves a good adventure.

  Eva Carter is a freelance writer and amateur photographer. She has a twenty-three-year background in finance. Born in Czechoslovakia but raised in New York, Eva is now living in Dallas, TX.

  Matt Chandler is a graduate of Buffalo State College where he earned a B.A. in Communication Studies. He is a writer and author of forty-five books for children. He lives in New York with his wife Amber and his children Oliver and Zoey. Learn more at www.mattchandlerwriting.com.

  Jen Chapman is a freelance writer and blogger at girlmeetsgrace.com. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from Marshall University. Jen and her husband Shawn have an eighteen-year-old son, Noah. Her ideal day would include pajamas, books and Gilmore Girls. E-mail her at jchapman0427@gmail.com.

  Claire Chargo is a writer living in Atlanta, GA. When not working on her latest project, she enjoys time with her family and her two rescue dogs. She loves coffee, peonies, and painted furniture.

  Melanie Chartoff is a life-long actor from New Haven, now residing in Los Angeles, CA with her husband. She currently voices Didi Pickles, mother of the Rugrats, in their eighth season and in a new feature film.

  M. Scott Coffman lives in Central Illinois with his wife, daughter, dog, and two cats. He writes to fend off middle-age decrepitude and plays the piano for as long as his arthritis will allow. This is his fourth story published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

  Jamie Coombs is a single mother of an eight-year-old son. She works in human services and writes short stories and poetry in her spare time.

  Elaine Marie Cooper has written eight novels about the American Revolution. Her only nonfiction title, Bethany’s Calendar, is about her daughter. Her writing has also appeared in several anthologies and periodicals. She does not mind being called a “history geek,” but loves being called “GiGi.” Learn more at elainemariecooper.com.

  Gwen Cooper received her B.A. in English and Secondary Education in 2007, and completed the Publishing Institute at Denver University in 2009. In her free time she enjoys krav maga, traveling, and backpacking with her husband and Bloodhound rescue in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Follow her on Twitter @Gwen_Cooper10.

  Married with dogs, Amanda Sue Creasey holds a Master of Liberal Studies from University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State. She teaches English and loves to write, read, run, and walk her dogs, Jack and Sadie. She is a member of James River Writers, Poetry Society of Virginia and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association.

  Karen Haueisen Crissinger writes about memorable parenting moments like teaching her twins to plunge a toilet, which birthed the book Big Kids Flush. She is also a professional seamstress and all-around rabble-rouser. Find Karen on Facebook at facebook.com/BigKidsBooks and feel free to start some digital shenanigans.

  Tracy Crump has enjoyed publishing twenty-two stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She co-directs Write Life Workshops, speaks at writers’ conferences, and edits a popular writers’ newsletter. Visit TracyCrump.com or find her course on her experience writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul at SeriousWriterAcademy.com.

  Denise Del Bianco is a retired widow living in her hometown of Bischwiller, France, after traveling the world with the love of her life, Pietro. After meeting in France, he and Denise raised two children in Italy and Canada. She enjoys cooking, reading, and cuddling her furry grandkids. Find her on twitter @DeniseBecht.

  Lindsay Detwiler is an international bestselling author of romance and thriller novels. Her debut thriller, The Widow Next Door, is a USA TODAY Bestseller. She is also a high school English teacher in her hometown in Pennsylvania. E-mail her at lindsayanndetwiler@gmail.com.

  Dana Drosdick is a Digital Advertising Project Manager by day, a writer, reluctant runner, and avid reader by night. Dana graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Digital Communication and Spanish and has been previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grandparents and various online editorials.

  Mindi Susman Ellis is a writer, artist and adventurer from the Midwest. She adores her two adult-ish children. She owns a marketing and communications business. Mindi loves yoga, travel, hiking, gardening, water sports, and almost anything outdoors. E-mail her at mindicreates@gmail.com.

  Celeste Bergeron Ewan works full-time as a supervisor in a pipe manufacturing plant. If that isn’t busy enough, she is also a proud mother of two and a newly wed wife to her husband John. Celeste enjoys spending time with her family, camping, treasure hunting, and of course, writing. She plans to write an autobiography one day.

  Carole Brody Fleet is a multi-award winning author, media contributor and four-time contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. An expert in life-adversity recovery, Ms. Fleet has made over 1,200 radio show appearances and additionally appears on numerous television programs as well as in worldwide print and web media.

  Victoria Otto Franzese has degrees from Smith College and New York University. She owned, operated and wrote for an online travel guide for fifteen years before selling it to a major media outlet. Now she writes on a variety of topics and all of her travel is for fun. She lives in New York City with her husband, two sons, and a Goldendoodle named Jenkins.

  Jody Fuller is a comedian, speaker, writer and soldier with three combat tours in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. In 2018, Alabama magazine named Jody one of Alabama’s top 40 men and women over 40 whose lives and careers are characterized by great levels of giving and achievement.

  Cher P. Garman received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1997. She writes about her experiences and observations as a Canadian living in “The Windy City” on her blog, “The Chicago Files,” at www.thechicagofiles.com. Cher is currently working on her first children’s book entitled Laura and the Disappearing Stars.

  Kathleen Gerard’s writing has been widely published, anthologized and broadcasted on NPR (National Public Radio). She is the author of three novels: In Transit, Cold Comfort and The Thing Is. Learn more at kathleengerard.blogspot.com.

  Jim Grayson retired from careers in law enforcement and security consulting. As a Gemini, his hobbies have varied from SCUBA diving, sailing, snow skiing and flying, to now working at his home and garden along with fiction writing. He and his wife also experience great joy as docents at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

  Judy Lee Green is an award-winning writer and speaker whose spirit and roots reach deep into the Appalachian Mountains. Tennessee-bred and cornbread-fed, she has been published hundreds of times and received dozens of awards for her work. As her inspiration, she often writes about her large colorful family.

  R’becca Groff is a freelance writer who resides in Cedar Rapids, IA. She has been published in national anthologies and magazines, and recently complet
ed her first novel. Rebecca has two daughters and five grandchildren who keep her in the know. Her favorite writing time takes place in the company of music and nature.

  Judythe Guarnera is comforted by the fact that having reached the age of eighty, she is now too old to die young. Connection is key in her life and she accomplishes that through her volunteering, especially as a mediator, and through her writing. E-mail her at follow.yourheart@sbcglobal.net.

  An award-winning speaker, Tom Guetzke engages audiences around the globe. Traveling to over sixty-five countries, Tom studied the psychological similarities and differences of happiness. Today Tom is on a mission to change minds, hearts, and lives by helping others discover how they can create more happiness in their own lives.

  Wendy J. Hairfield has a B.A. degree in Journalism, with honors, from Temple University. After a rewarding career in public relations promoting environmental programs, she now enjoys writing, tennis, photography, and gardening. She has a daughter and stepson and lives in the Seattle area with her husband and two tortoises.

  Jan Hopkins-Campbell is a children’s book author/illustrator who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Tennessee State University in 2012. She enjoys reading, antiquing, painting, and spending time with her pets Smokie and Duchess in the home she and her late husband Bracey decorated.

  Darrell Horwitz is a writer, sports talk radio host, aspiring motivational speaker, and is nearing completion of his self-help book, Guess Whose Turn It Is. He’s now using the phrase “beyond fresh” to replace “thinking outside the box.” You can reach him at darrellhorwitz@gmail.com.