It was 91 degrees today as I walked along the hot humid sticky street they call Market. I decided to cut up to Arch Street going North on 8th. I turned onto Arch and as I walked just past the parking lot, I heard a woman’s voice calling out…..hey mister…. I looked left and saw a young Black woman with 2 kids sitting on some cardboard. I walked down the street and asked her what the heck she was doing here. She said she and the family came down here to look at an apartment. Her boyfriend had the money and said he’d be right back a day and a half ago. He never came back, no cellphone, no money for the apartment and no money to eat or use transportation.
I got this wretched feeling brewing in my stomach. After a few minutes I went to get some water and some Vietnamese hoagies for them to eat. So of course beings the Nam Vet and wanting to help everyone, I asked what she planned on doing. Sh said she had to get this apartment cause it was a great deal and she could paint it and get money off the security deposit. I asked where she intended to get the money and she immediately said that The LORD would provide.
The stomach thing is now quickly moving to the heart. I told her to hang there and I’ll be back……well, I had no cash on me because I’m working some bad streets later. I have no wallet or cards with me. As I entered the Pawn Shop I wondered if the knucklehead would work with me.
I left in around 10 minutes with $450.00 cash and minus 1 Leica 50mm Summilux. He said I had 90 days to get it out and no one would touch it. As I entered the street where she was sitting, I thought if I was doing the right thing. It felt right because she was real, no tracks on her arms or legs, no signs of drugs etc. So I smiled and she asked me where I went. I showed her the money and she said….I told you The Lord would provide.
We all walked to the corner and she paid the man inside the store the $350.00 and he gave her the keys. I helped her get upstairs and gave her my cell # if she needed it. She smiled and hugged me and cried…..I almost cried too but of course Streetshooters don’t cry, they make photos so others can cry.
Anyway, it’s that time of the year again when the Homeless Advocates Group gets very active and me too……..
eh, who needs a 50mm Summilux anyway 😉
Mark, I understand what your saying……a Summilux is a Summilux but it sure ain’t a Summicron.
Bravo!
Thanks Dan….between you and I..it was a Nex6 moment….
You’re the best Streetshooter!
Duane, thanks for the props but I’m far from the best. I’m just trying my best…..
Wow, what a story. Puts all the camera talk in perspective, doesn’t it?
Well, maybe it does. I try to be somewhat cold on the street, maybe detached is a better word but I’m no good at it…..I’ve been told that I wear my heart on my sleeve but sometimes it’s on my camera strap….
good on you, Don…sweet story…
Thank ya kindly……
Is there a way that some of us can help you get your lens back? No doubt there is a way, so will you let us help?
Dan, thank You Kind Sir. Things will be ok shortly. Besides Olivier sends me money cause he thinks the work I do is worthwhile.
Don, that was very well done Don!! and a thanks on behalf of the humanity, if we all allowed ourselves to have that mentality, the society would be a bit more equal and therefore a more happy place for all to live in!
Thorkil
(Denmark)
Thanks much Thorkil. I’m very sure you would’ve done the same. I will see you at GETDPI as I need to start posting there……
Don
Thorkil, thanks….much appreciated. As far as society getting along and everyone being happy…hmmmm, if ya get too happy they send ya back to the factory.
You’re a good man Don. Not many would have done the same.
Lee, thanks…Id like to think that this is an act anyone would do.
But truth be told, here in Philly….well…..