Awesome. By literal definition the word is an adjective meaning “an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear.” But to one Cromwell man, the word has much more meaning and he is hoping to spread that meaning far and wide.

Although he chooses to remain anonymous, the young man wants to share his story in hopes of encouraging more people to reach out and help other people, just like he did.

He gave away his truck to a friend in need. Now, the Cromwell man wants his challenge to “be awesome” to continue with others.

Just a few days ago, a friend asked for the young man’s assistance in looking for a vehicle. Instead of helping her look, the man just gave her his own truck. “It’s called being awesome,” he said. “Awesome is meant to have no face! It’s quite simply finding out what you can do and becoming involved. Don’t wait for someone to ask for help, see what you can do and go and help!”

Now, a North Webster mother and daughter are hoping for their own case of awesome.

Also wishing to remain anonymous, the women have finally admitted to themselves they can no longer live in their mobile home safely. The decades old trailer is literally rotting away. The outside is covered in black mold, the floors inside bear gaping holes covered only by pieces of plywood; there is no running water.

A mother and daughter are in desperate need of help. This hole in their trailer floor is where an opossum recently got inside. (Photo by Stacey Page)

“Right here is where an opossum got in,” said the mother as she slid a board revealing one of many holes in the floor.

Making matters even worse was the harsh winter that played a role, they say, in the water pump bursting. “There’s been no water for at least four or five months,” the woman said. The mother-daughter duo travel several blocks each evening to shower at another relative’s home. “We pay them to do our laundry and shower.” Pointing in the bathroom she said, “We keep those jugs of water to flush the toilet.”

Although there is gas and electric to the trailer, the conditions do not allow for them to cook. Aside from the occasional bowl of cereal, they do not eat at home.

While the women know their situation is dire and their health is becoming affected — “My allergies are awful from the mold and my daughter is always sick,” the woman explained — neither is able to secure a loan to purchase a newer trailer.

“I recently got divorced and my husband took what money I had saved. My daughter works part-time and is a full-time student. I got a promotion at work so we can pay a small monthly payment for something, we just can’t get a loan,” the woman said. “We are not looking for a handout, we just want someone to work with us. And on top of everything, my car died and they say it’s gone; not worth fixing.”

She said the Warsaw Housing Authority has not been any help, although they claim they qualify for assistance. The woman added, “I’ve called every trailer park around asking if they have anything we could buy, but no one even calls back.”

The Cromwell man who is hoping his “being awesome” challenge will continue to catch on said, “The real reward to what awesome is, is the people you meet on the way ... it’s called humanity; it’s what you can do as a person. It’s what you can do when you find your own humility. It’s what you do when you learn to humble yourself.”

He encourages everyone to get involved, look around them and see how they can help someone in need. Anyone who may be able to help the North Webster women, may send an email and will be put in contact with the women.