Jack Kevorkian, Dead at 83

Jack Kevorkian encouraged people to take control of their lives at a time when that life might not have been worth living. Others say that people cannot do that; alleging all lives have merit despite the drain on family, friends, and resources and the depression that comes with not being able to function as one once did, pain or no pain, awareness or no awareness. He served 8 years in jail for helping people end lives that were more difficult to endure than to terminate, a feat accomplished by the system who amended laws to make him subject to them.

Some religions make saints out of people who perform miracles that sometimes ease suffering and pain. Dr. Jack qualifies not only due to his mission, but the fact he had to do time and then was forced to renounce his faith to earn his freedom. Then, ironically, he died the common way, in a hospital bed, without anyone’s help.

Paul Fixes a Guitar

He wanted to speak photography. Has a camera received for doing body work on a car, in addition to $300. Has my card on his coffee table. Chased me down for ablums I left in a bag on the bench, next the woman who thought I might shoot her image and the guy, Greg, who wants to leave but who may not have told her and who didn’t want his image which she took, and kept working on his guitar.

He used a tool which a friend had given him that day.

Eric and Homer

Received a comment from someone in the virtual world about this image of Eric which I posted on dpreview. Person questioned my point of view and referenced Homer. You know, Homer of the Illiad, etc. When I shared the story with Eric, he lightheartedly and good naturedly asked if the person was talking about Homer Simpson. Could be? But the questioner had it wrong. Eric isn’t loitering. He lives here. Its a stoop. He’s sitting. Who says he needs to be going somewhere to do something? Take that Homer. This is real life.

Returning To Church Street

Back To Business

Caveman reappeared, svelte and strong. Wants to collaborate to produce a mixed media doc about the denizens of Church Street.

You Want Music?

Paul’s got a gutitar, but no case. No tunes, just strums.

Almost Left
Justin Time

He lasted from November 12 to May 12. Girlfriend wanted him to stop drinking. Couch crashing. No plan, so he sits and begs, again.

Rough Start

Oft told story. Did some stupid shit. Got sucked up by the system. Couldn’t pay court costs. Back to jail. Vicious circle. Smart and aware, but not formed.

Sunnier Side of the Street

Why did she move to the other side of the street? Better weather? Better donations? “I just needed a change,” she said.

Catching His Breath

Has just the requisite amount of energy for the day, everyday.

All A's
All A's

Happens fast. Wife has an accident. Kid overdoses. Sucks the wind from the sails. Not giving up, though.

 

Early May Saturday on Church Street

 

So, you think nothing doing on Church Street early Saturday morning.

 

Thomas, right, has a job, but gets in trouble because Burlington doesn’t have much for the underaged. He slept not in a bed, because Spectrum kicked him out for drinking. “A place can do you a lot of good….The sun comes up faster when you sleep on the street.

Wonderful Charlie. Sweet and cheerful. He needed a place to smoke his cigar and sip his coffee. Couldn’t tell him the City Council has been considering banning smoking on the thoroughfare.

John headed towards Sweet Potato, a free breakfast site in a Church. Makes you almost want to reconsider taxing not-for-profits.

Paul had another bad night on the street.

Sandy just smokes and watches.

Stephanie collects, but not for drugs or booze. “I wash the bottles and give them to the Humane Society. Keeps the streets clean and the animals happy.”

And then there were the bears and pidgeons, natural friends.

Around the corner, some guy slept in City Hall Park, maybe to be the first in line at the Farmer’s Market.

 

Street Signs

Rainy and windy and cool. Weather only fit for those who do street.

Paul’s on the street again. Worked. Hadn’t been paid at painting job. Lost his room at Oxford House. Slept on the street last night.

Still trying to get home to Texas.

Who is Debbie?

Somebody stole Mark’s bike at the shelter. He bought another one.

Penguin’s trying to get her kid back. Went to school. They wouldn’t give her the kid’s records.