Mark

Today I met Mark on Chemeketa Street in Salem, Ore.  Mark told me he's lived here all of his 65 years, but feels like he's invisible to most people.  "Not many friends around anymore," he said.  "Nobody knows I'm here."  Mark has lived on the streets for longer than he cares to remember. "A long, long time," he told me.

We talked about the upcoming cold weather and then Mark showed me his cart.  Full of everything he owns, it contained a sleeping bag, some clothes, a bag of food and a few other small items.  He asked if I'd come around again so he could share more of his story with me.  I'll definitely stop if I see Mark.  His smile betrayed a generous, kind spirit that I'd like to get to know better.