gose experience expert
“Believe me, we can all end up down in the gutter. I have been there and went down so far until I couldn’t go any further."
“I had a weed farm which made me a lot of money. I had a nice car, nice stuff, nice clothes. But what is it all worth, when you end up having to live on the streets for 5 years? I strongly advise against having your future depend on shady activities with plants and lights. No more home, no more stuff, no more friends, the only gain was a criminal record.
I used to watch the famous Dutch TV series ‘The Big Mister Kaktus show’. “Never give up!” that gentleman sang every week. This had always been stuck in my head. It still keeps me going after all these years. And if there is any moment that I tend to forget, my buddy reminds me: ‘I’ve known you for a long time, don’t give up this year either!’ And I don’t.
Fortunately, I got a second chance. I’ve moved into a house/apartment again and I’m almost done paying off my debt. I’ve got some help too. Someone who thinks along in my situation and helps me to make the right decisions once every three weeks. That way I don’t feel like I’m alone. I’ve always been against that kind of help, but after all the things I’ve been through—and through all the worrying—I quite often feel the need to get some things off my chest. You do need people like that around you.
Now I try to find peace at home. I always impose a lot on myself. Lately, I start to tell myself more frequently: ‘Take it easy, there isn’t always something that ‘has’ to be done. Now go to bed!’. This is the space of mind I want to go to, and that is where I want to stay. This peace. “
HOW IS GOSÉ DOING NOW?
The photos, interviews, and film recordings were made during a time when Gosé was homeless. Fortunately, Gosé owns a home again since August 2021. He just had an interview with the ‘UWV’, the Dutch Institute for Employee Insurance.
He agreed that he will start looking for a job again in August 2022. He needs time to process everything and recover from various surgeries. He has had a conversation at Youth and Family with the foster parents of his child, and his son has visited him under supervision.
Gosé is well supported by Youth & Family. He wants to fully have his life in balance so he can continue seeing his son at home. He enjoys gardening and helps various people with their gardens. He dreams of going to the Efteling with his son.