Poppa Finds Peace

Poppa Finds Peace by Isabel Didriksen tells the story of a First Nations man who overcomes homelessness, rejection, loneliness, and more. Come travel with Poppa on his journey. Feel his rejection and loneliness. Listen to his story. Learn how he deals with challenges in his daily life and how he finds peace in an unexpected place.

Poppa's story is inspired by stories shared with the author over several years by many First Nations friends.

Excerpt from Poppa Finds Peace by Isabel Didriksen:

After many months in rehab, he was beginning to feel like a new person. The tormentors of the past were coming less often and he was able to sleep better. He was ready for the real world. Things were going to be different now. He had saved up a bit of money that he earned doing odd jobs around the town. With renewed purpose, he took a bus home. When he stepped off the bus, he saw some of his cousins leaning against a car in the parking lot.

"Well, lookee who's here. Where ya bin, Poppa? Ain't seen ya 'round fer a long time."

"Hey man, can I get a ride out to Billy's place? Ya look like you're needin' somethin' to do."

"We ain't got no gas. You got some dough?"

"How much ya need?" He carefully pulled a five out of his pocket and handed it over.

"That don't buy much gas, but guess we can help ya out."

It was great to see all his family again, and they welcomed him with open arms. He truly was a different man. Months went by and life was good. He got a job clearing brush from the sides of the rural roads on the reserve. The guys he worked with were good buddies and he enjoyed the outdoors. Then one payday, they all decided to go into the city. Soon the drinks were flowing freely as they spent their cheques.

Two days later Poppa woke up with a terrible headache. At first he didn't know where he was, then he realized he had been sleeping on a park bench again. Remorse and shame flooded over him. He had been 'dry' for so many months, he thought he was strong, that he had overcome the monster, but the monster wanted to enslave him again. The craving was stronger than it had ever been before. All of the determination he had mustered up flew away with the wind. Stumbling down the street he met up with one of his old cronies.

"Hey bro!...