(c) 2008 David Guilbault, Doug Vann, Keven Furiya, Andy Zadrozny

Copyright Material - All Rights Reserved

Edwin Knowles grew up in a lot of places as an Air Force brat.  As an adult, he worked at Boeing.  He had a wife and a stepchild, a 5-bedroom house and a new car. He liked being as “normal” and productive as his immediate family and felt he “belonged.” But, he lost it all due to mental health issues.

‘There’s a lot of lonely, misunderstood, hurting people.’

STUCK IN ADDICTIONS:  “A lot of them have just given up on themselves.  And they felt that everyone else has given up on them.  So, why bother?  And then they get stuck in their addictions or their other issues and they resort to stupid stuff.”

Mr. Knowles now feels he doesn’t measure up.  He continues to fight alcoholism and his psychoses and sometimes tricks himself into thinking he is well.  While he was married he was arrested for domestic violence and given a three-year restraining order.

‘I lose focus as to what my goals are.’

Edwin had been on the streets and in and out of shelters for several years.  Once angry at God, he now hears a calling to ministry.  He was a missionary in India.  He says what makes him happy are family, friends, church and seeking his spirituality.  He’d like to start a church camp in the mountains and write books.

‘This could happen to anybody.’

Edwin says he continues to struggle with marijuana, pornography, lust and the effects of his divorce and that his low standard of living affects his moods.  He is very concerned with being misunderstood.  But he has hopes that he can overcome his medical conditions and achieve success.

‘Happiness to me is compassion.’