Hobo. Bum. Homeless. I've been called each for a long time. Thomas. Husband. Father. I havent been called those in a very long time.

This week, I decided enough was enough. I had to turn my life around. I havent saved any money since my life on the streets began. My goal was $100. I could really start to change my situation if I achieved it.

So it began. I only ate bread and drank water from water spickets that werent locked. I washed windshields at gas stations and held a sign pleading for mercy at intersections. When I made enough I bought a few 12 packs of soda, a cooler, and ice to sell at the intersection I once begged for contributions at.

The locals began supporting my efforts. I always smiled and said thankyou. This seemed to brighten their day and they began to root for me as I told them my plan.

Months passed. After a few setbacks, the day finally came. It was late but I was so excited I couldn't sleep. I walked around town and explored areas I normally couldn't because I was working so hard.

The tiredness must've caught up with me because I can't remember much else. Just darkness. Hold on.

For a moment I could see it. I had a home and a car. A Toyota Corolla. And the fridge...It was full of good food. I could start a family again...

"Sir...Sir!" a voice interrupted me.

Slowly I came to and what looked to be a police officer stood in front of me. As darkness turned to color and blurriness to clarity, I looked around. I was sitting on the corner of the intersection I sold soda at. But why? How?

The officer continued: "Sir, a few of the passerbys reported seeing an intoxicated man on this corner. They thought you were dead. I'll have to take you in for public intoxication."

"No..." I whispered as tears began to form on my lower eye lids. "It can't be."

Slowly, the prior night's events started coming back to me.

I walked a street I havent walked in a long time and there was a newly built liquor store...

For years I avoided areas with liquor stores...I was too weak.

I went in and the rest is a blur.

All my hard work, my future, the trust I had developed in the community...Gone.

I sit in a jail cell sobbing over what could have been but never will be. Hobo. Bum. Homeless. That is who I am, now and forever.