On the way to work today, I asked Cano if I could photograph him.

Why?

Cause you seem like a good subject.

Great Answer, yes, you can.

Cano and I would pass one another on the street often. He is always dressed down with paint all over his clothes. I never spoke to him until I saw him in a suit (and I didn’t have my camera). Wow! Look at you in a suit! I said to him. He smiled and kept walking. But, ever since then, we would say hi to each other.

Today, I actually met him.

While I took his photo, I asked him his name and he also told me his story.

My name is Cano and I am a super here in this building. I can do everything. I work hard. Everyone in the neighborhood likes me. Six years ago my wife and son died 4 days apart. I had just buried my son and then got a knock on my door about my wife. I was taking a shower and ran to see who it was. It was the police. I couldn’t believe it. For years I battled with a drug addiction. I would work to support my  addiction. I would love to tell you more of my story about living on the streets. Maybe this is what life wants you to do? Write about people on the streets. 

There was no periods in his story. He kept talking and everything flowed from one topic to the next topic. He spoke low and fast. It was hard for me to capture everything. When I left work, I saw him again and he started to add to his story.

I want to ask you a question. What do you think about my story?

Well, it’s interesting.

Yes, I have a lot more to that.

I believe you, Cano.

I lost my mother and my father. My whole family. I would like to tell you how.

We are going to have to sit down so I can write it down one day.

Yes. Soon. I want you to share it. There is a lot to tell.

Thanks Cano. I can’t wait.

Thanks!