I built a career as an auto electrician. By the time I was 27, life was good. I rented smart homes, ran my own company, and I was lucky in love. Things were going well.
Then Covid hit, and everything changed. My business was hit hard. The bills kept coming in, but the money dried up. I began to struggle. Around the same time, my landlord told me he was selling the property and I had to move out.
Suddenly I found myself living back at my parents’ house. But my dad had a brain tumour and my mum had terminal cancer, so life was already incredibly difficult.
Then things took another turn. My brother, who was jealous of me, persuaded my parents to grant him power of attorney.
My dad died on New Year’s Eve. After that, my brother became hostile and it became clear I couldn’t stay in the family home. I ended up sofa surfing and, at times, sleeping rough.
Eventually I went to the Haven. It was a huge shock. Not long before, I had been well-to-do, used to having cars, a home and a business. Now I had no car, no business, no home, and I was sleeping most nights in a bush.
That was until the Haven told me there was a room for me at the Sanctuary.
Four months after losing my dad, cancer claimed my mum. On the day of her funeral, my brother told me I had been removed from the will and there was nothing I could do about it. He said he owned everything.
After six months at the Sanctuary, HopeHomes told me they had a place for me. It was a basic room, but I’ve turned it into my home and filled it with positivity.
Slowly, I’m getting my life sorted. I’ve got my driving licence, my passport, I’m working, and I’m being sensible with money.
And something else has started to happen too. Because, at the end of the day, blood is thicker than water. I’m beginning to make peace with my brother.
I met him for coffee and asked, “Why did you put me through so much pain when there was already too much pain in our lives?”
He admitted he had been driven by jealousy and greed - jealous of my achievements and greedy for what my parents left behind. Recently we even went out for a curry and had a proper conversation. We’re getting there. We’ve found common ground, and we’re trying to leave the animosity behind us. It’s time to forgive and forget.
The negativity in my life is now gone. I truly feel that life is moving forward again - towards brighter and happier days.
