Last week I posted an article about my homeless son that I wrote for The Street Spirit. Today I encourage everyone to put this on your calendar: Dogtown Redemption will premier on PBS Independent Lens Monday, May 16, 2016. Please check your local PBS channel and tune in to this thought provoking documentary. If you miss the show, the DVD is available on the Dogtown Redemption website.
But let’s back up for a moment to an era before the tough times began. The year was 1984. My son, Jason, was only 10 years old, a robust, likeable young man with the determination to earn his Junior Black Belt. He studied the art since he was 7 years old and met his goal in September 1984. He continues to study the art – the one consistency in his life for the last four decades. This is the dream that keeps him alive today.
I watched his life become a broken dream. Not his broken dream but my broken dream. He struggles with the consequences of his addictions but he does the best he can and holds his head high. I bow my head with the loss of this beautiful boy and what he could have been.
It is said the writing of a memoir can be a healing experience and I am finding this to be true. It’s not about what might end up in the actual book; it’s all about the process.
When Amir Soltani was working on Dogtown Redemption he shared his wisdom with us. Many times he said, “It will be a healing film.” While it is a difficult film for me to watch, as I share it with the public I see the profound effect it has on the audience.
It is with Amir’s encouragement that I strive to write a purposeful memoir of experience, strength and hope. One that will make a difference.
I’d love to hear your comments on the film.
WittBits 
Your story is very interesting and touching. I have a similar issue with my son. I am pausing to put this on my Calendar right at this moment.
Thank you. I hope the best for you and your son.
Thank you, Margie. My cable connection is broken from a severe thunderstorm, but will be fixed tomorrow afternoon, and I’m grateful that I can watch the program then.
Just have to add how much I agree with the power of writing to help us heal. No one can know this until they start the journey, take pauses, time to heal, re-read and revise with newly found wisdom, and repeat until we know it is our best. It may take a lot of time but is worth every hour we use. Your story will gift so many…
Thanks , Mary Jo. I always appreciate your support. If you miss tomorrow, I see it is scheduled to run several times.
I don’t get PBS, but my heart goes out to you and the struggle you watch your son go through. I pray he can beat his addictions once and for all and find his place in life, the place God has designed for him.
Barbara, blogging at Life & Faith in Caneyhead
Thanks, Barbara. You might want to see if you can stream it here http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/films/dogtown-redemption/
Hi Marjorie, I read the article and
can relate. Interesting that my kids were raised in Lafayette, too: and began their decline into drugs there as well. I’m all set to watch the documentary tomorrow and thank you for reminding us of the human behind the homelessness.
My two younger children are both homeless at the moment, and I am also at a loss to provide a home for them because of past failures. Mostly what I do now is worry and pray. I am looking forward to the film.
I wish for all the best for you and your children. Hang in there.