TEAMMATE DOWN, BUT NOT OUT!

Patrick: Hello, StreetWise audience and SportsWise fans. Unfortunately, a horrific event took place on Monday, 2/21, which has upended many lives, including one of our own: Donald Morris.

Donald’s here with me to take us through the experience, as well as talk about the future.

Don, when you told me you were a part of the fire that ripped through the early morning, it really hit home. Initially, the fire was a very sad and depressing news story that happened somewhere else to people I don’t know...but, now, it’s so much more. How are you, my man?

Donald: I’m good. I’m hurting right now: physically and emotionally.

Patrick: What’s going on physically?

Donald: I had to move a bit quicker than I’m used to; plus, some of the smoke got to me.

Patrick: I’ve never been in a fire—how strong was the smoke?

Donald: It was bad, man. I mean, from what I understand, the businesses that were destroyed by the fire—Twisted Hippo Brewery and the Ultimate Ninjas Gym in Albany Park— which had some heavy-duty equipment.

Patrick: How about the folks in your apartment building ?

Donald: Well, my apartment building is gone. Pretty much everything I own is gone. Kaput. All of my electronics, my papers— both personal and Street- Wises, ones with sentimental value and those I intended to sell—photographs, food—everything…gone. I do have to thank the Red Cross for coming through with shelter for those of us displaced. They’re paying for our stay at a hotel, so we’re still in the game. Also, being a veteran, I and a couple of us in the building have been through trauma, so we’re able to handle it, but, yeah, it’s tough, man.

Patrick: I can only imagine. I’m glad you’re still in the game with us. So how is the support besides Red Cross?

Donald: My family is totally behind me. Total support from them. And more than anyone and anything else, Christ is helping me get through. Not only did He wake me up that night, He’s helped me keep my head up, helped keep my senses intact, and, more than anything else, He’s helped me keep it moving forward. I was already in the process of moving, so there’s that. And even though I don’t have anything to take with me, I’m able to take me there.

DONALD MORRIS

PATRICK EDWARDS

"Donald, when you came into the office today and told me what happened, I was stunned. I’d been reading about the fire all that day before, not having a clue someone so close to me was directly affected. I’m glad I had the opportunity to help you out in the office with some food and clothes and words of hope… and I loved that you have a good spirit.” -SportsWise teammate John Hagan

JOHN HAGAN

“To my favorite Sports- Wise partner, Don, I am empowered by your positivity despite having lost so much. Things will definitely get better, brotha. By the time this issue airs, we’ll have celebrated your life by going to the DePaul game, which should be a blast. And to all of Don’s customers, please look out for him in this trying time.” -SportsWise teammate Russ Adams

RUSS ADAMS

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org