Thank you

Writer Michelle Kennedy writes an open letter to our readers about her story "Mothering Without a Net."

Published August 29, 2001 7:19PM (EDT)

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who wrote to me regarding the story I wrote for Salon about the time when I was homeless with my children.

So many people responded with offers of money and shelter that I was simply overwhelmed by complete strangers' capacity for kindness. I hope all of those offers will become donations for people who are currently homeless. Although we are much better off now than we were (we have a home and I have a secure position as a reporter and -- believe it or not -- a humor columnist for the Green Bay News-Chronicle), the time my children and I spent living in the car has caused me to be much less judgmental than I was before that awful time. The kindness of the people who have written to me has made me rethink a lot of my cynicism as well.

My hope is that I have made some people realize that even people who go to college and have auspicious beginnings can sometimes end up in awful situations -- and that everyone makes poor choices at some points in their lives. I am sure I will spend a lot of time atoning for the sins I have committed and hopefully I can help others judge a little less and help a little more as part of that package.

Please feel free to continue writing.

Best,

Michelle Kennedy


By Michelle Kennedy

Michelle Kennedy is a writer in Green Bay, WI.

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