Summer 2023 - Update from John and Melissa

Dear Friends, 

I know it’s been a while since I communicated. Please forgive the delay. As I’m sure you understand, Its been an outstandingly difficult time with both the house situation and my dad’s passing. 

First of all, I need to say thanks. Many of you supported us either through funds, friendship, and emotional support. It really means a lot to me. The communities and friends I have stepped up in their in amazing ways. This included the Able Works community, friends from East Palo Alto, Church connections throughout the region, the Recycle Garage / Motorcycles and Misfits podcast community, and other friends throughout the world. Honestly, without you all,  I’m not sure we wouldn’t have survived. That’s not an exaggeration. 

For those that don’t know, In May my dad passed. For the past few years, he’s been in a steep decline. As some men do, since he retired six years ago he’s been struggling.  For a man that did hard, physical work for all his adult life the loss of the meaning and camaraderie that work provides impacted his physical and mental health. He had ailments that prevented him from doing the things he loved, like riding his beloved motorcycle. His quality of life suffered. It was a deep loss to the family to have him pass, but, honestly, he was miserable. I believe he’s at peace now with the Creator he loved. My mom is OK. Losing a spouse of 58 years has been hard, to say the least. My sister and niece moved back to Florida last year which in hindsight was the right move given what’s transpired. I put a picture of him, my niece and his Harley below. 

Housing

We landed in a small house in Santa Cruz. It’s in a great neighborhood, close to the beach, the Recycle Garage, church, and friends. We’ve grown to love Santa Cruz. After five years of living in a remote area, it’s nice to be near things. Years ago I told Melissa I wanted to retire in Santa Cruz. While I’m not ready for that, living here has been a desire since we had some of our first dates here in Santa Cruz and Capitola. For now, it’s a great place to be while we recover. 

As for the Boulder Creek home, there seems to be no pathway to repair it. I’ve dealt with the insurance companies as much as we can. There is still one “Hail Mary” still out there with the flood insurance company but, honestly, it’s a long shot. I’m willing to play every card there is to throw, but the options are limited at this point. Since we haven’t paid the mortgage for three months the home is going into foreclosure which will seal its fate. It’s looking like letting go is the only option. We’re still struggling to deal with the emotional and financial loss. At this point moving forward is the only viable option. 

Personal Update

There are days I feel normal. Then there are times I’m experiencing all the stages of grief, sometimes all at once! I won’t lie, it’s been hard for both of us. I’m hoping for closure but that’s been slow coming. I need to patiently continue to play out every option. Once again, the communities we’ve been a part of have offered critical support. Melissa and I are OK in terms of our relationship, but that’s also been stretched. We’re having to pull from our 34 years of marriage and lean on the stability of the past. 

In my head, I know things could be worse. I’ve served people throughout my life that are in much worse shape. But, I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that at my age (55) this has been a major challenge. It’s affected every part of our life from our living situation, our credit and our future plans. I don’t know what God, or the universe if that’s your perspective, is doing through this season. In hindsight we’ve always been taken care of so I’m choosing to trust, but that can change day by day. In the end, I’ve had to remind ourselves that our lives have never been about us, it’s been about serving others. We will continue. It’s not all grim, there are many moments of joy, usually attributed to the community. I appreciate every joyful moment. There is a scripture that says “...weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” I’m looking forward to the dawn.  

Able Works

Thankfully, Able Works is doing well. We have solid programs, a great mission and team. Our programs are growing and thriving. We are expanding both in the Bay Area and Central Valley. We recently started working in the Waterford School District, a community where over 80% of the students receive free or reduced lunches, which indicates the economic conditions. We’ll be serving the entire senior class. In the Bay Area, we’re looking at expansion deeper into the South Bay and East Bay. 

Again, I want to thank you for your support. If you’re ever in Santa Cruz, come by and say, “Hi”. 

Much love, 

- John and Melissa Liotti