Almost Heaven
by Sharlett F. Hunt

My thanks to Sharlette for permission to use her story on my site.

I really love my new place! It is a joy to wake up in the morning and hear the birds sing! I believe this really is a God thing. The peace I feel is tremendous! It is amazing to me, coming from a trailer right on a busy industrial highway, traffic night and day, to this place! It isn't a mansion by any means, just a mobile home but I am so grateful to be here.

I never told the story of the miracle of how I came to be in this quiet little piece of Florida, at the lake. This has been a dream of mine for some time, having lived on the streets off and on for many years with no home of my own. I longed for a quiet place where I could awaken in the morning and hear a chorus of birds singing. This is that place. There is a church across the lake whose bells chime the hour and play hymns. It is almost Heaven.

My friend, Nelson, called and told me his neighbor knew of a mobile home for sale that had a screened patio and the price was right. He put me on the phone with Evelyn who gave me phone numbers and told me a little about the property. I was interested so I called and made arrangements to go look at it.

As I got off the bus to go see the trailer I heard a lovely song coming from the trees, the sound following me into the park. It was the most beautiful I had heard in some time, almost as if the angels were singing. It's as if every species of bird was greeting me! I really loved the mobile home! It was old as dirt, 1963, but in great condition! I wanted to buy it.

Then came the obstacles to be overcome. I had to sell the trailer I was in quickly so as to have money for the new one. Also, the new trailer park required a fifty dollar credit and criminal background check and I was afraid I wouldn't pass it. My credit is horrible due to credit cards and my background.......let's just say I am thankful I never killed anyone. I began stressing and worrying over this. I started to get depressed. I was afraid I would never get the money. I began to pray, knowing that God knows the desires of my heart. I knew He would give me the answer.

I was moved to write a letter to God and explain the whole situation and ask for His help. I explained all this in detail and told Him exactly what I was praying for. I thanked Him and began to have faith that He would do this for me. The letter is still in my Bible and every single thing I asked Him for He gave me! All this happened so fast! When you decide to allow God to do something for you, get out of the way!

Let me tell you that I didn't even have time to advertise my trailer for sale in the paper! I put it on an online local shopper and the first people who looked at it, bought it! I hardly had time to think! Then I brought the money to the manager of this new park and filled out paperwork but no credit/criminal background check was mentioned! The miracle had happened and I was able to buy the home of my dreams. This all happened in the course of less than two weeks! Thanks be to God!

My little bird is on the screened patio and singing along with the other birds! I planted a lovely, fragrant lavender rosebush along with petunias, impatiens, and an azalea yesterday. Today I also planted yellow squash, lettuce and onions I got at Wal Mart. I still have to wash all these curtains, clean windows and hang ten sets of blinds. There was no blinds here and I am used to walking around as I choose. I got a refund for a computer desk that was given me for Christmas (with permission) so I could buy some stuff for my house. I still need many things. There was some storm damage, as the ceilings, patio needs new carpet, but just little things I can't afford and will have to do it as I can. But what I can do is organize and clean, plant flowers, and make this my home. I'm also getting rid of a lot of junk that has been cluttering up my life.

Precious loves it here! I let her go outside with me and sometimes she goes off chasing birds and such but so far, nobody has said anything about it. This place is quite large and sets back so far from the road, I know it is safe for her and she is like a different cat. She hates it inside and there is nothing I can do to change her nature. She always comes in at night and checks in frequently when she is out so I don't worry here. She mostly plays around the yard.

I want to spend some time fishing in the lake soon as I can. There are many alligators and water moccasins this time of year so I will be careful. Snakes sometimes wander up around the homes but I have no real fear anymore. Guess I am getting old.

Sharlett Hunt
Sharlette863 @aol.com

About Me:

I was born in Alabama, the middle of seven children. At about age four we moved to Central Florida and I have lived here most of my life. I am a Viet Nam Era Veteran. I have always enjoyed writing and as I get older it seems to come more naturally to me. I believe everyone has many stories inside them and some are blessed to be able to share them.