He was standing on the Michigan Avenue bridge watching the flood of tourists and business folks walking to and from North Michigan Avenue. He had a sign asking for help. I approached him and explained the $2 Portraits project and Isom readily agreed to participate.
Isom's been on the streets for a couple of weeks and does not like to stay in shelters because it feels like you're in jail. Isom is 68 years old and spent his entire life in Chicago although his extended family were all from Arkansas and were cottonpickers. Isom grew up on the west side of Chicago where he had a family. His wife is deceased and his kids live out of state. He doesn't see them much. He said he made some bad decisions in life and does not want to burden his kids with his problems. "It's their time", he said. "I had my time." I thanked Isom for his time and gave him two dollars.
6/30/11 - Week 26
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