Part One – Everything Was Everything

My name is Robert Louis Ausberry. A.K.A. “Big Papa.” I was born and raised in Galveston, Tx. Normal childhood. Played football, basketball, baseball. Once I graduated, I was drafted and went into the military. And then, when I got back, I continued my education. I’m doing great and wonderful. I have my family, and my friends. I’m just glad my family really did stick by me when my wife got killed, because it was such a traumatic situation.

It just showed me how everything was everything.

Part Two – There’s A Reason Behind It

When you lose someone like that, you know it’s traumatic but you don’t think about it. My wife, she was homeless at one time. She was a school teacher. She just was trustworthy of too many people. And that’s why they pulled her down. And that’s why she went from where she was to homelessness. 

At the Co-Cathedral, they used to leave it open all night. And my wife went in there, and prayed and fasted for six and half hours. I don’t know what she was praying and fasting for, but I know she did. And when she walked out, about 6:30 in the morning, it was still kind of dark. She seen this dude and she knew him, so, she didn’t watch him. And he snuck up behind her, and strangled her. And left her on the platform over there at the Co-Cathedral.

There’s a reason behind it, but I just haven’t found out. God teaches forgiveness. When something like that happens, it’s hard to forgive. If my wife was living, she would forgive.

Part Three – I’m One of the Originals

I had just got here in March 2010, and she got killed in September. I’m one of the originals, at New Hope Housing. All I did was: from ‘here,’ to ‘here,’ to ‘here,’ and I took baby steps and baby steps until… I’m finally to where I am today and I’m in a good place. If I didn’t have it, I couldn’t imagine where I’d be. New Hope Housing has helped me 100%. My family and friends, they had a party here at Braes Crossing for me. It was 30 people! It just showed me how the community here can pull together. I’m just glad that I did decide to come into New Hope Housing, because it’s been all positive for me since I’ve been here.

See? It’s a good story with a happy ending.