Hi everyone. It is July 1 and I was supposed to be going in for my back surgery today.

But I got a call from my doctor on Tuesday saying that he had to postpone my surgery because he has to unexpectedly go out of town for a few days. So they have scrambled and with some re-arranging, my surgery has been re-scheduled for — of all dates - my birthday, July 22. What a nice present for me. I guess you can look at it in a good way or bad way. So who wants to come by and bring me some cake and presents?

I am not too happy about this situation, but as my doctor said, it would be better to have him here just in case there are any complications. I know things happen, despite all the hard work I have had to put in to get myself stabilized leading up to the surgery.

Well, I would like to thank a few people that have really helped me get to where I am right now. So please be patient.

I would like to thank the great doctors from the University of Michigan Health System, where I am having my back surgery at. First I'd like to thank Dr. Chad Brummett from the Back & Pain Center, who has worked with me trying to do what he can to not put me on a surgical table, but after various treatments we have exhausted every road.

I would like to thank Dr. Donna Huelke, from the spine clinic, who has seen me through issues ranging from getting me back on track with Washtenaw County's Community Crisis Response Team to talking to me about my surgical options. She referred me to Dr. Rakesh Patel from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. We met, talked further about my options, and, with his help, I will be facing a different road after my surgery.

I will need about six months to recover but will be working to get better with rehabilitation and physical therapy. I had my pre-operation appointment last Tuesday and found out that during the first month post-operation, I will be in the hospital for at least four days and will be going to a rehabilitation center for a couple weeks after that.

I'll have permanent restrictions after my surgery for an indefinite period of time. I trust Patel, his team and everyone that I will be working with after my surgery that I will have a safe and speedy recovery, even though the surgery has been delayed. The funny thing is when I first talked about this surgery, they actually had me scheduled at the end of July, then it was moved to July 1, and now we are back to square one. I don't want any more postponements or delays.

The next group of people that I would thank is related to moving into my new apartment this past weekend. I moved into Greenway Park Apartments. The first person and team I would like to thank is Mary Beth and the Community Crisis Response Team. For the past three months they have helped me a great deal — from moral support to the support of helping me get a temporary roof over my head.

If it were not for them, I don’t think I would be writing this for you all to read. With a combination of her phone work and my foot work and the approval of Social Security Disability Insurance for me, I got into an apartment. I spent this past weekend getting everything in there and I am still in need of some basic stuff, but I will work on that after I come home from my surgery.

The next person I'd like to thank is Nathifa Riley, who heads up the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program that is provided by Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Even though we have had a rocky road between the two of us, with the advocacy from Mary Beth, I was able to get approved for the housing program. Once I am able to start doing some type of work, I hope to be handling everything on my own without the help of anyone else.

Finally, a thank you for my housing needs go to Heather Cash, the property manager at Greenway Park. When I came into her office and talked about my situation, we agreed that I could be one of her new tenants. I do look forward to enjoying my apartment and getting to know some new friends.

I would also like to thank Stefanie Murray and the team at AnnArbor.com for letting me open myself up to you and let you know that even though a person is homeless, they can change and get back on their feet (or in my case, for at least a month or so, on my feet with the assistance of a walker and cane).

As I wrote in one of my first stories, there are all types of homeless people. The majority of them want to turn their lives around and not be associated with that word: homeless. But there are some out there that believe there is no hope for them. I think there is always hope — it just means taking that first step with the right person by your side to say, “you can do it."  

In fact, once I am back on my feet and am able to do things, I am not going to forget the people who have helped me out. I am giving my word that I, in return, will want to help other people like I was given help. It may be six months or a year down the road, but I want to do some good.

Well until next time, a few weeks from now, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. I guess my next stories are going to be about my recovery and my new life.

Take care.

Thomas Bare writes about being homeless in Washtenaw County. Contact him at tab72266@yahoo.com.