Page 171 - From the Outhouse 4 -21

171 | P A T R I C I A R A E M E R R I T T W H A T L E Y

Back Home to Sanford – My Birthplace

Although I was working, I couldn’t keep up my expenses and care for my son. Consequently, I became homeless. Kamili and I went

to live with the Pages, Charlie and Gwendolyn Page, who were my friends, for about a year. I have known Gwendolyn Page since
elementary school in Sanford. We have remained friends through her moves to New York City, Germany, and her return to Florida.

I am sure she influenced her husband to consent to our move to live with them through our homeless circumstance. We were safe,

fed healthy delicious food, and their children graciously shared their bedrooms with us. I even remember Gwen serving as a Beautician

adorning my hair for a date. We received superb treatment!!!!! We are tremendously appreciative to the Page Family.

I remember how great they welcomed us in their home. I often think of how special our Christmas was celebrated: we were included

beautifully, not excluded, even in gift-giving. They even invited Kamili’s father John and his little sister, Desiree, to their Christmas
dinner. How sweet and kind was that! I will be forever indebted to the Page Family—children included, Yvette and Darren.

After staying for some time, I got the message from God as He ordered my steps: it was time for me, as it was for the Prodigal Son in

Luke 15:17-24, to retreat back to my hometown of Sanford, Florida.