A Wanted Man (09-02-2015)
Long story. I apologize in advance.
We had a good bit of leftover food at work today, and I was going to bring it home. Kathy suggested that, instead, I bring it over to this group of homeless people that is living under the Metra tracks on (address removed to respect their privacy). I liked the suggestion.
I introduced myself to the first gentleman, Calvin. I brought him the food, and he was polite and grateful. I talked to him for a few minutes, and asked if I might be able to take a picture of him. He said he would, but he has some warrants out for his arrest and can't have his picture taken. I told him I understood, that I respect his privacy, and I wouldn't ask again. But I did ask his neighbor Willie.
Willie had a great laugh and seemed very open. But not about having his picture taken. Seems he and Calvin have some things in common. As did Janice, although I tried to desperately to get a picture of her with her blond wig and hot pink dress. Same with Gregory and Ed.
Since that wasn't the sole purpose of me going there, I thanked them all, I shook their hands, and I said my goodbyes to each. As I was driving away though, I saw the bear. I knew I had to get a picture of that.
Ed was standing there, and as I waited for him to move (I didn't want to upset him and just take a picture), I asked him if he would be willing to stand there with his back turned. That worked for him.
I left feeling like I had done something decent. I am certainly NOT patting myself on the back. But I try to talk to and show respect to these people because they are people. If, for even a few minutes, this group of people can take their minds off their situation in life, then I think it was the right thing to do.
A Wanted Man (09-02-2015)
Long story. I apologize in advance.
We had a good bit of leftover food at work today, and I was going to bring it home. Kathy suggested that, instead, I bring it over to this group of homeless people that is living under the Metra tracks on (address removed to respect their privacy). I liked the suggestion.
I introduced myself to the first gentleman, Calvin. I brought him the food, and he was polite and grateful. I talked to him for a few minutes, and asked if I might be able to take a picture of him. He said he would, but he has some warrants out for his arrest and can't have his picture taken. I told him I understood, that I respect his privacy, and I wouldn't ask again. But I did ask his neighbor Willie.
Willie had a great laugh and seemed very open. But not about having his picture taken. Seems he and Calvin have some things in common. As did Janice, although I tried to desperately to get a picture of her with her blond wig and hot pink dress. Same with Gregory and Ed.
Since that wasn't the sole purpose of me going there, I thanked them all, I shook their hands, and I said my goodbyes to each. As I was driving away though, I saw the bear. I knew I had to get a picture of that.
Ed was standing there, and as I waited for him to move (I didn't want to upset him and just take a picture), I asked him if he would be willing to stand there with his back turned. That worked for him.
I left feeling like I had done something decent. I am certainly NOT patting myself on the back. But I try to talk to and show respect to these people because they are people. If, for even a few minutes, this group of people can take their minds off their situation in life, then I think it was the right thing to do.