Hugs

Susan
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I met Susan one Sunday afternoon standing in front of the Walgreens Pharmacy on Polk and California Street. She apologetically asked me for help and I turned to look at her. I saw a reflection of myself standing there. I knew that our lives weren't any different from one another, because we have the same needs, such as, food, warmth, and shelter. But, we also have the need to be loved, heard and understood, and the need to have significance. I became so focused on Susan that everyone around me and my surroundings became non-existent. It was as if we were the only ones standing there, facing one another. Compassion immediately began to flow out of my heart.

I told her about the $2 Portrait Project on Flickr and asked if she would pose for me. Susan was happy to oblige. I asked her to tell me a little bit about herself and Susan, without hesitation, immediately began to share. Susan has lived all over the United States, but she is originally from Michigan. She has also lived in Tacoma, WA, where I once lived and where my mother resides now. Her father was in the military, so they wouldn't stay in one place very long. I think the last city she said she lived in was Sacramento and then she eventually came to San Francisco, California, where she is living now.

After we talked, I gave her a big bear hug and I didn't let go of her until I knew she knew she was cared for. We both smiled and I told her to keep believing in herself and that things would get better. I went on my way and she continued to stand in her spot and ask for help, thanking everyone that gave or offered her any spare change.

My doctor of fifteen years suddenly past away last week, so I've been going over all the memories I have of him. My time with Susan brought up this memory. At the end of each office visit, he would give me a huge bear hug. It was in those moments that I knew that I was loved and cared for. He unknowingly taught me how hugs can make a big difference in a person's life. I wish I could tell him that fifteen years of hugs made me the man I am today. I would tell him thanks for loving me and showing me how important it is to show others that they are loved too. I dedicate this post to my friend, Dr. Robert C. Scott and all that he has done for me. Thanks, Dr. Scott.

Please visit:

Allen Temple Baptist Church AIDS Ministry

Olivia & Shekinah

Olivia & Shekinah
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I met Olivia & Shekinah on Castro Street in San Francisco sitting in front of Walgreens. I stopped and told them about the $2 Portrait Project and they agreed to have their photo taken. When I asked how they both got in this situation, it looked like I struck a bad nerve, so I didn't pursue it with any further questions. "Long story?", I said caringly and Shekinah nodded. They both reminded me of my niece, Samantha, who I love very much. I hope they both find their way to happiness.

Matt

Matt
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

I met Matt in Santa Cruz, CA. I was walking down the street and just past him on the sidewalk. I could hear him faintly asking for spare change. I turned around and I told him about the $2 Portrait Project and he was excited to participate. He talked about how he would meet people and run into them again in a different state or city. He's lived all over the United States and somehow ended up in Santa Cruz. We talked for a while and then he left to go get some juice because he was thirsty. About an hour later, I passed him again talking to his friends on the corner. I thought about what he said earlier about running into people he knew. He's a really nice guy.

$2 Portraits

Dwayne
Originally uploaded by MyxMaster.

This is part of the Flickr $2 portrait pool. Essentially, when someone ask you for money, you tell them you will give them $2 in exchange for a portrait. It's a great opportunity to contribute to life and tell a person's story through photojournalism.

While I was stopped at a signal light, a man approached my car window asking for money for gas for his truck, which was parked on the corner. I pulled over and asked to see his license and then proceeded to get out of my car. He said, "Oh, I don't have my license, you don't need to get out of your car." The next thing I was going to ask him was to try and start his truck to confirm that he had the keys and it was his truck, but before I could, he admitted his bike was hidden around the corner and he just needed the money. We introduced ourselves and began to talk.

He told me his name is Dwayne and he's from San Francisco, CA. He was fired from his job six years ago as a delivery man and he's been unemployed since then. He spends most of his time in the Tenderloin District without an address he can call home. He asked for money, so I asked him if I could take his portrait for $2 and he agreed.

After I took his photo, I did my best to encourage him and lift his spirits. I asked him if he needed prayer for anything. He said, "Success." I prayed with him and then we said our goodbyes.

The Meaning Of Life

Sometimes I can't make sense of life, so I look inward. I allow myself to identify with the pain and the struggle that I've had and have in my life. The emotions begin to overflow and tears well up in my eyes, but then I thank God for the fellowship of His sufferings.

Life isn't easy. Life is hard. I think we spend a lot of time self-medicating ourselves until our lives become meaningless. Can you remember the first time your feelings were hurt as a child? I do. I felt inadequate and unloved. That child is still in all of us. We want acceptance and to be loved for who we are unconditionally.

Don't let your live become meaningless. Face your fears and love and accept who you are as a person. You have meaning in your life. You are an important individual, unique, and special.

I will continue to love even when I'm hurt and I will love like I've never been hurt before. I choose to be a strong man and face myself even when I can't bear it. I choose to feel. I want to live and not die an unloved child. (tears...)

I've met a wonderful man, who is in my life now, and I love him so much. I will cherish every moment I have with him. I will express my love for him and every way I can think how. He loves and supports me. Surround yourself with friends and loved ones who accept you as you are.

The meaning of life is to love yourself and love others.

This is my life right now.