1053
Daniel
"I wish my hair looked better for the picture. I’m not really like this. I was always a preppy guy so I hate being homeless. Just wait until it’s time for me to leave, I’m going to get a haircut and come show you how I really look," said Daniel.
A current Crisis Center resident, Daniel has been at CHM for nearly three months. He is battling a history of depression and regret. Raised by his mother in Saginaw, Michigan, Daniel obtained a 3.8 GPA while participating in band and baseball.
At age 16, Daniel’s life turned upside down. His mother died from a massive heart attack. Daniel moved in with his Mom’s boyfriend and lived there until he was 19. During this time, Daniel continued going to school and working at the mall until he was four credits away from his diploma. Then, Daniel dropped out of school. “I didn’t have anyone pushing me, I became very depressed,” he said. Daniel continued working at the mall and started partying.
In the Summer of 2002, Daniel went to work at Cedar Point. When the season ended, he was back in Saginaw, but quickly moved to Grand Rapids with a girl he had met online merely two weeks prior. They lived together for one-and-a-half years before Daniel caught her cheating. He took off to Texas to a friend’s house where he stayed for four months.
From California to Iowa, Michigan to Ohio, to Texas and returning to Ohio, he traveled in search of love and a place to call “home.” Winter, 2004 he came back to Detroit and stayed with a friend for one month before being put out. He wandered Michigan Avenue in Detroit.
“I had a knife in my hand and began slitting my wrists. Everything hit me at once. My Mom died! I had nowhere to go! I had no education! I had nothing…” he said. As his wrists bled, he realized he needed help. He picked up a phone, called 911, and was taken to Kingsway Hospital. He was put on medication for depression and referred to CHM.
Daniel's struggles haven’t stopped since he came through our doors. Battling depression and the anniversary of his Mom’s death, he began feeling suicidal. His medications have been adjusted and he’s trying to move forward.
Daniel is preparing to take his GED exam. His next step is Wayne State University where he plans to be a paramedic and RN. He’s looking into getting an apartment or moving into the Rights of Passage program.
“CHM is a great place for kids. I don’t refer to it as a shelter; I think of it as a safe place where people are actually here to help you," said Daniel. “I’m learning to care about myself and, for once, getting my life together instead of worrying about everyone else.”
Donate now to help Daniel and other kids in our programs.
Comments
CHC to Daniel
Hey Daniel, My name is Ray and i am a resident from Covenant House California. i dont wanna say i know what your going through. but i know when i lost my mother is was the hardest thing. but i find comfort in the fact that her love is always with me and i hope you do too. From one cov kid to another good luck and warm wishes. :)
A Mother's Love
Daniel, you are being loved every day by your mother. She may not be present physically but she is very present in your life spiritually. She is so proud of you and how far you've come. The best way to show her how much she means to you is to love yourself the way she loved you, deeply, dearly and unconditionally. Be good to yourself and try to make someone else smile every day. Their smile will light up your day too.
My son was 10 years old when I battled breast cancer and depression. Like you, I didn't want to live. I fought when it made no sense to me because I told myself that my son needed his mother, even though at that time I thought he would be better off without me. He is 14 years old now, and I'm still here. I'm no longer depressed or suicidal, but I still struggle some days. I always said that I would do anything for my son, but I never knew I would have to fight so hard to live. Your mom didn't have that chance. Her body gave out, but I know as a mother who did have that chance, that she would have fought with all her might to stay here and raise you. Since she couldn't do that, she's staying by your side instead. You can't see her, but you can feel her presence in your heart. Let go of the grief and celebrate your life the way she would celebrate it with you if she could. It's okay to feel joy. She wants that for you. You are loved more than you can possibly imagine right now and you are home. I know this because I know what a mother's love is.
I know how you feel
Daniel me and you have a lot in common. My mother died when I was sixteen years old, which changed my life dramistically. I too was sent to Oklahoma to stay with relatives, then sent back to Detroit, and from there stayed with over ten relatives. People do not know how much it affects you when you lose your mother its like a part of your heart that is gone. But I want you to know put all your energy to be successful not just for you but your mother. When I accomplish something, the first thing I think is my mom would be so proud of me. And do not think you can not make it. Despite me put out of relatives houses, I still graduated from high school (adult ed) I went to college and got my associates degree and I had a son so believe me it can be done. Just put your faith in God, and just keep trying. You know how people say they understand what how you feel, No Daniel I understand how you feel. By the way I forty years old, so you can make it.