Heroes Shouldn't Sleep in the Rain

Edward is a quadriplegic; confied to a wheelchair and cannot feel anything below his neck. Until last night, Edward was living on the streets of L.A., homeless.

I was honored to be a part of the team that brought Edward in off the streets last night. While driving Edward to the hotel he shared his story. Those of you that follow me on Twitter know I often tweet about fighting back the tears while working in homeless services. This time I could not fight. While Edward spoke in a quiet yet happy voice, tears rolled down my face.

Several years back Edward was in a horrible car wreck. In the car with Edward was his bride of 19 months and another close friend. Their car was struck by a drunk driver. The drunk driver freaked out and continued hitting the gas, slamming into their car over and over.

Edward was the only survivor of that wreck. His wife and his close friend were killed by that drunk driver. Edward was flown to a hospital in a neighboring town. As the surgical crew began prepping Edward for surgery, a 15 year-old girl (also in critical condition) was flown in moments later from a different car accident. The hospital only had one surgical team and Edward allowed the surgical team to work on the girl first, consciously knowing that his decision would probably result in him being permanently paralyzed.

Edward said to me in a very confident voice, "She was only 15 and I was 43. I've lived a life. I had to let her go first". I was too far gone to ask what happened to the girl. I could not say a word. My mouth was dry and tears were screaming down my face.

Fast forward to last night. The night before our outreach team found Edward and his brother, they slept outside in the rain. They told me they found a couch on the curb and made a bed out of the soaked cushions.

My co-workers and I worked extra hard to make life a little easier on Edward and his brother. We made contact with the VA (Edward is a veteran) and we were able to work out a hotel voucher. Because the shelter operates a school bus, it would have been too much of a challenge for Edward to stay at the shelter. We also did his intake in our van so we would not have to lift him in and out several times.

Edward's story humbled me. I don't know if I could make such a life-changing sacrifice. Although his life is much different now than it used to be, he has no regrets. Some people are challenging to work with, perpetually unsatisfied. But Edward was happy with whatever we presented to him. He was a joy to meet and an honor to serve.

Edward's story has stayed with me, which is why I share it with you. Although Edward may never see his name in the paper or earn a spot on the Today Show, to me he is a hero.

Besides, nobody should have so sleep outside in the rain. Especially heroes like Edward.