Beyond the Bus Stop

April 15, 2007

I was excited to work on the Paramount Picture, Shooter, a film being shot in Philly. It was the largest project I have done to date. I was hoping to see the stars of the film, be in the thick of the action, and self indulge in the experience.

Instead, on the first day I was placed about two blocks away from the set and in charge of keeping parked cars off the street. My post was right in front of four homeless men sleeping and reading on a ledge outside the bank. I was initially disappointed that this was going to be my whole day.

But, here in front of me was a gift that was about to be unwrapped. Slowly I peeled away the layers of the gift after I said hello to the gentlemen. And yes, they were gentlemen. One looked like a dad from the soccer field. Well dressed, clean and looking for work. He landed work with the film's catering company washing dishes. The other three men kept me company that day. Telling me stories about their lives, life on the streets in Philadelphia, helping lost tourists, and being there for other homeless individuals.

I was moved to tears as I watched Frank, a man in his 60's, taking extra food and batteries to other homeless people in the park nearby. He even pulled up a milk crate and fluffed his dingy pillow for an elderly bag lady that needed a rest. He went two blocks to get cardboard out of the trash for a homeless man whose wife was not feeling well. Frank helped lift her up on the wall.

Matt, who was washing dishes for our film crew, came back with extra food for the guys on the wall. The 'extra' was shared with the others who rested on the wall next to them. These men never once asked for money from pedestrians, never were rude, or used bad language. They were knowledgeable, and respectful. No one had to chase them away.

It was a profound lesson in humanity. Here was a man who literally had nothing, yet gave to others all day long and never asked for anything in return. There was no other place I would have rather been on that set then right there with Frank and the men on the wall. It was fate that I was placed there. Here was the real story they should have been filming that day with their big budget cameras and crew.

I brought them blankets, fresh socks, a few fresh pillows and some shirts. It was the least I could do after all the gifts they gave me the day before. The gifts of humanity, class, and respect for all people no matter what they have and don't have to offer. They were grateful and excited to see such items that are taken for granted everyday in most homes. The guys on the wall took me Beyond the Bus Stop and increased my faith in all people ---- and showed me we all have something to give each other no matter where we come from. It was a beautiful day after all.

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