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.

Was it you?

I'm walking up Polk street on my way to California street, when I overhear a woman and a man waiting to cross the street on Post. We're all standing on the Southwest corner of the intersection and the man looks at the woman and says, "Do you think he's O.K.?", then he looks up Post towards Van Ness Avenue. There's a man lying on the sidewalk dressed in a clean green sweatshirt, jeans and tan construction boot. The other shoe is resting beside him and there is a blue wind breaker spreadout near his body.

I look at the two of them and say, "Do you want me to call 911?" This is the second time in two weeks this has happened to me.

"Yeah, thanks.", the man declares. The woman nods her head. The light changes and they continue along their journey up Polk Street.

I grab my cell phone. SF dispatch...send. "911. Please, state your emergency." I play paramedic and give her an assessment of the patient before she has a chance to start reading from her scripted questions.

"Where's your location?"

"I'm on the southwest corner of Polk and Post Street."

"Are you in front of a store?"

"Yeah, the name of the store is called, 'Signs'."

"Where are you?"

"I'm on the southwest corner of Polk and Post Street."

"Are you in front of a store?"

"Yeah, the name of the store is called, 'Signs'."


Does she think I'm carrying the guy around from one corner to the next? Maybe, she thought we would play a game of around the world or maybe, she wanted to verify the information? Good job. I give her very detailed information about my precise location and she says the paramedics will be there in a couple of minutes.

No sirens. Hmmm. That's strange. I look east across Polk and I can see the paramedics . They can't see me. I haven't moved. I'm still standing on the Southwest corner of Polk and Post Street.

"Hey, over here!" OK. I have there attention and they're on their way. Just then I remember that there's a fire department a half a block from me. The paramedics just walked over from the fire house.

One of the paramedics says it's another heroin overdose. Another guys says, "Didn't we pass this guy?" As they're working on him, I mention to a couple of other paramedics that I had to call on the same thing last week. I was shocked by one of the paramedics sense of humor. The medic looked at me and asked me with a smile on his face, "Was it you?." Maybe, he thought I was with this guy.

Drug addiction and homelessness have grown to tremendous proportions in San Franciso. I'm sure paramedics in the city treat a lot of overdose victims everyday. But, I'm urging you not to let yourself become desensitized to the needs of others because of their sex, race, religion, political views, social status, morals, etc., so spread love.

Jesus knew what His mission was and He fullfilled it. Let's pattern our lives after His.

Luke 4:18-19