Walking with my Co Worker

I was walking through the Tenderloin today with one of my co-workers, another person who used to use drugs. I try to run my thoughts through the "is this appropriate filter" but that filter fails when I traverse certain blocks. Here is where I used to sleep outside. This is where the male hustlers used to pick up dates. This is the door well where I sat frozen for few hours after I shot up MDMA mixed with LSD. This is where my ex boyfriend carved A + T in a heart. That boyfriend died of AIDS. This is where I had someone overdose me on meth to try to rape me. I later pressed charges but the statute of limitations on sexual assault was two years at the time. Here is where I turned a trick for twenty dollars then lied to my boyfriend about it (so he wouldn't have to turn a trick). Here is where I used to sell drugs. This is were I used to beg for them when I was dope sick. These were the hotels that kicked me out when my boyfriend used to beat me up. This is the last place I used drugs.  Ok, I didn't actualy tell him all that. Some of it though, for sure.

The Tenderloin tour was nothing but tender. I am how ever strange, grateful it all happened. I appreciate every thing I have today. From clean sheets, to use of the limb they said I might need amputated, to people that love me. People ACTUALLY love me. Not because I have the bag but because I am a good person. I like to pet all the animals. Eat curry. Drink tea that is hot. I have THREE sets of sheets because I can. I like to wear whimsical socks because it makes me smile. I survived all that shit I mentioned. I am happy to have made it out alive.

I love you ppl. I was traveling, not ignoring you. I was eating way too many sea creatures in Boston.

Recent articles about me/harm reduction

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Comments

  1. Jean JenningsOctober 5, 2017 at 5:25 AM

    I had my own turn in the Tenderloin, not as an addict but as an observer of addicts during the same time you were there. I lived at the corner of Jones and Ellis. I can't tell you how happy I am that you only go back as an observer.

    Love your writing. Love, love, love.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 5, 2017 at 11:23 PM

    beautiful spirit thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 9, 2017 at 8:15 PM

    Shit Tracey. Why don't you slide into the Glide and see us one day. What ever happened to Spanky?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. traceyh415October 9, 2017 at 8:23 PM

      I just got the Glide tour like three weeks ago. The new Harm Reduction center is beautiful. The last time I was there, it was in one room. Spanky got renal issues that eventually overcame him. He passed on maybe four years ago? He basically laid down and died on the street from what I understand 😭

      Delete

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