When I met Sofia over a year ago at The Living Room, she was always cradling her little dog Roger in her arms like a baby. The women who came for meals and other services all knew each others’ dogs. Over time Sofia became a part of the extended family of women and their dogs who looked out for each other as much as they could. (see more portraits with pets here)
Sofia was a lot younger than the other women I was meeting and I immediately felt a maternal connection with her. When I heard her story, I was impressed with her intelligence and determination to make her life better despite having so few resources and so many past disappointments.
I learned that in addition to her homelessness, Sofia would be dealing with a high risk pregnancy. Sofia is one of the women with whom I have been unable to stay in touch since the pandemic and honestly that makes my heart heavy. I would like to picture her cradling a baby in those arms and in a comfortable home with her boyfriend with the possibility of going back to school and eventually having her own business again!
susancornelis.wordpress.com 
Susan- you are an amazing person, one whom I one day would love to meet. Your art is sensitive and real, and the stories from The Living Room are fascinating. I admire you immensely and always read and enjoy every single post. Thank you.
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That’s so kind of you Sally. Thanks for introducing yourself! Nice to know you’re “out there” reading the posts I send out into the virtual universe.
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