“I grew up in Jackson. My mom worked for the university, and my dad worked for the water department. It’s been a tough life, but I made it to 56. I thank God for waking me up every morning, and I take the day one second at a time. I am going to The Opportunity Center and watch the news. It’s a place for the homeless. I have been homeless for ten years since my mother and father passed. I go to Shower Power every Friday. Ms. Mary Ann and Ms. Teresa run it, and they love to help people. It feels good when someone cares about me. They call me James Maine. I have been called Maine by my family since I was a kid – I don’t know how it started.

Thank you for the conversation. My hip is about to start hurting. I need to get on down the road.”

James “Maine”