You have seen the picture before. In National Geographic, it’s a framed face of a man or a woman that has seen a lot of years. Their face is old, and weathered, and it’s like the weight of the world has just consumed them. I’ll call him Fred. Every morning Monday through Friday for the last ten years I have seen Fred on the way to work. That’s 250 days a year that we have passed each other, 2500 times over the last ten years. When you frame Fred’s face you see that picture I was describing. Fred looks to be about 80 years of age or so. He is outside every morning selling newspapers on a Chicago street under the Skyway bridge that gives him some protection from the elements. He walks within four feet of my driver’s side door. About a year ago he lost a tremendous amount of weight. His spirit seems to go up and down with the weather. When the sun is shining and warmer he usually has somewhat of a smile on his face. He looks like he’s enjoying himself. He looks young in his eyes. Continue reading →