While many build walls others install doors. Some say fences make good neighbors. Perhaps this is why so many are looking in from outside.

When I began my career at Southern Illinois University I experienced an open door. I was amazed at how I was accepted. Soon people complimented my work. I felt I was part of a family and not a friend almost like family.

‘I sit here from morning till night seeking someone to give me enough money to eat some baloney and bread,’ the Disabled Man said. ‘Happy people go in and out of the restaurant seeming not to see me,’ he continued. ‘Once I made a sign that said,’ Curse me for a dollar’ Some stopped to read the sign while others ignored it or cursed me proceeding inside for dinner,’ Disabled Man recounted.

‘Where do you sleep,’ Chet asked? ‘Are there no shelters for your safe rest,’ Chet continued? ‘The shelters serve food,’ Chet added.

‘I stammer and stutter folks get tired of how long it takes me to express myself verbally,’ Disabled Man answered. ‘My twin sister was sleeping in a bus terminal she is autistic she was beaten to death by drunken boys who thought it was a good joke to kick a nonverbal handicapped woman to death,’ he continued. ‘Many of the Hispanic waiters and waitresses bring me a little food left on the patrons’ plates,’ DM said.

‘Come home with us we have a bed for you food and shelter,’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes. ‘We will help you find work you can do and hope for the future,’ Neva J continued. ‘Our door is open to you and you are welcome in our home,’ she said with love.

‘Join us today Mr. Candidate and we will pick fruit together,’ Julio said with a smile. ‘We start at daylight and we pick until dark,’ Julio continued. ‘Last year the Boss did not hire immigrants and his fruit rotted due to no one wanting such low and hard work we know nothing but hard work,’ Julio continued. ‘Some men joined us for half a day recently they were born in the town where the orchard is but they became ill or felt misused by the sun and sweat equity of the labor,’ Julio mentioned. ‘But for you Mr. Candidate we have reserved the best seat in the truck bed with a lovely view of the dirt road,’ Julio continued.