Messages for Rebecca

[Dominic]

After reading Rebecca's Story, you are invited to post a message of support for her or make a comment in this thread.

Simply register as a member of the forums and reply to this message.

[Starla]

Im just interested to know how the people whos stories are featured on the website are doing...do they live with you at rebecca's place?...have they moved on to better or different things in life...are they still homeless....

i dont mean to sound so nosey...but im reallly interested in how they are doing..

[Dominic]

Andrew is dead, as his story says. Jazmin's story has been updated and she is doing really well. Gish lives with us and is going great, still putting in the hard yards - see his journal. Melissa I haven't heard from in some time. Rebecca is not going so well at the moment and I am always worried for her but she is still alive and making some positive choices, some self destructive ones too. Other people who have stayed with us that you see amongst the photos are spread out around the country and we keep in regular phone contact.

[rainbow]

HI there and please tell Rebecca that readers out there are thinking good thoughts about her. She's a brave person to be going on every day.

I wonder, Dominic, is there an agreement from the streeties to have their story and photos up on the web full time? Do you give them an option to choose pseudonyms or to remove photos if they are not travelling well and maybe want a bit of anonyminity? I guess I was just thinking of things such as streeties who move interstate and want a fresh break (or to lie low). How do you deal with these considerations? I'm sure its very flexible and that the people you feature maintain control over there images and stories before you publish things but just hoping you can provide your guidelines so others can reflect on them if they decide to do something similar etc. (such as sk8r girl mentioned asking chanel 9 to blur her image).

[Dominic]

Very good point. I get permission from people to use photos as I take them and stories are read over and signed off on by the people they are about. In most cases names are changed including 'Rebeccas' or they are 'street names.' Jaz sent her photos in.

Getting permission to use photos and stories is very very difficult unless you have a long standing relationship with people and are well trusted. We get requestes pretty much once a week to use photos for one thing or another - even requests from big brand name charities to use them for tv commercials and mass mailed winter appeals. Obviously I say 'no' to such requests. Often these places end up having to get actors pose or use staff to pose for photos and personal stories are 'generic' crap made up by someone in their marketing department.

I get permission because I've earnt my name on the street over a decade and am respected and pay very careful attention of how and where and when and by who they are used.

[whahoo2]

Hmmm. Ive been thinking for a while and I can't really think of anything to say that doesn't end up sounding wrong.

And imagine the things that happen in your life that aren't so great, think of how @#$#ed you'd be if you had no family around.

You can't really relate and what could you say that would be comforting or provide hope that doesn't sound condescending to Rebecca?

Right now all I can think of is parroting what someone else posted - that the readers are thinking good thoughts about her.

Actually I'll need an insight from Dominic, I'll say that too

[whahoo2]

Anyone there?

[Dominic]

Don't worry about walking on egg shells or sounding silly, if you want to post a message of support or a comment just feel free to.

Otherwise, we will just take your post as a message of support from someone who read the story and took the time to offer their positive regards.

[whahoo2]

Hi
I'm Kurt. I was thinking about ya just recently and I thought I'd better send ya something personal than the homogenised "ah yeh, someone posted something nice in that chat room for ya".

I do know what it's like to be overwhelmed with emotion and to think that no one cares or would miss you if you were gone for days and months and years on end. Then the societal pressures and expectations on top of that - people with no idea of your feelings, principles or intellect giving you advice; and of course the people who would have nothing to do with you if it wasnt their job to do so.

Certainly not fun and doesnt come recommended. --- I was going to continue to make a point or something but that's pretty much where I'm at. Needless to say I dont feel bright now!
Hmmm, Im stuck now coz I dont wanna talk about my crap...

I CAN say you're quite attractive in that photo where you are sitting on the stairs and that I'd bash ya mum's boyfriend and kick him in the nuts!

Would be nice if ya could let us know if you're still alive...
Cya

[Dominic]

She's still alive. Thanks for your post.

[1234567]

I wz deepli tuched by this stori becoose i have bean to jail for vagranci.
I just stole a computa and now cab talk to yu.

[whahoo2]

Yeh Rebecca can send me a message too if she wants btw.

[anz32]

Becks story was touching. Really has changed the way I judge people and their problems. Tell her thank you for being so brave to share her story with us. To be able to pick her life and move on and not just give up is a real credit to her. Wish many people who have more than her could do the same.

Please give us an update on her and let us know how she is going now. Also is there anyone else who is brave enough to share their stories with us. They are very interesting and have opened my eyes and touched my heart.

[kimlovinggod88]

Hey, Just wanted to write you and let you know, you are not alone. I don't know who or what your told out there, But there's a man named Jesus, that loved you enough to die for you. If you ask him into your heart, He will take the pain way, and you will never have to hurt yourself ever!!!!. I have been in a place where I had nowhere to go, three kids. One day I went to church, found Jesus and I have never been the same. Will everything be great all at once, no, it takes time, just like it took to get where you are. I care about you and if it's ok, I will pray for you everyday. I hope you take this from my heart to yours and just try. I promise if you have the faith to believe, he will meet you where you are. I'm living proof of that. Talk to you later. God bless you!!!! Kim

[anz32]

Is Rebecca still on the streets? How old would she be now?

[Dominic]

Originally Posted by kimlovinggod88

Hey, Just wanted to write you and let you know, you are not alone. I don't know who or what your told out there, But there's a man named Jesus, that loved you enough to die for you. If you ask him into your heart, He will take the pain way, and you will never have to hurt yourself ever!!!!. I have been in a place where I had nowhere to go, three kids. One day I went to church, found Jesus and I have never been the same. Will everything be great all at once, no, it takes time, just like it took to get where you are. I care about you and if it's ok, I will pray for you everyday. I hope you take this from my heart to yours and just try. I promise if you have the faith to believe, he will meet you where you are. I'm living proof of that. Talk to you later. God bless you!!!! Kim

A sweet sentiment, but you are assuming she hasn't already done this.

[Dominic]

Originally Posted by anz32

Is Rebecca still on the streets? How old would she be now?

Yes she is, and funny you should ask she turns 21 next month.

[whahoo2]

Oh!

Well I'll say happy 21st now anyway for October.



WAITING FOR YOU TO TURN 21:
http://mstu.cz/~bozek/obrazky/Animal...ger%20cubs.jpg

Bye
Kurt

[Konstantìn]

Wow! That's a nice photo, they're quite adorable.

Regards,
Konstantìn

[christie]

hello everyone,

my name is christie. i dont know exactly what to write and have been sitting on this message for a good ten minutes now. i fear that i will say something politically incorrect.

i really liked reading Gish's story and would like to say thanku to him for sharing what must have been a dificult story to tell, but i think that when people read it they will beable to relate and find comfort in the way it is truthfully written.

i look forward to reading everyones comments and will visit this site regularily, i only wish that i had known of it ealier.

bye for now, christie