I pulled into Charleston, South Carolina last week without a dime to my name. The tank of gas that was given to me was halfway gone. I needed to do something, and I needed to do it soon.
Anyone that knows me understands that this project is all about collecting stories and connecting with people. But when you need gas, you need gas, and no one said I couldn’t sell a few t-shirts along the way!
I parked in front of Fish, an upscale restaurant and bar in Downtown Charleston, with the sole purpose of earning gas money. As I continued to work the sidewalk, the stories kept coming in. When all was said and done, I made $200 in T-shirt sales, which lasted me through my next two stops.
Halfway through the night, I met a man from Charlotte who was celebrating his 28th wedding anniversary with his wife. When he walked past, he rolled his eyes and sighed. “Are you a Michael Moore type?” he asked. “Why are you parked in front of a fancy restaurant? Is there a camera pointed at me?”
After explaining the project, I asked him if he’d like to write down his story. At first he declined, but after negotiating with him for a minute, he agreed to tell me his story verbally.
Turns out, this guy is a realtor that went from making $100,000 per year down to only $6,000 so far in 2009. “How can you afford to eat at this restaurant?” I asked, not realizing it might be a touchy question. He looked at me and paused. Then he explained that it was his 28th wedding anniversary, and that he just wanted to celebrate what he has. He didn’t want to think about the recession; he just wanted to enjoy his wife’s company.
He went on to explain that his house burned down last year, and that insurance didn’t pay the full value of the house, so now he’s renting. He lives primarily off of savings, and that makes his efforts toward work discouraging.
I don’t know how to end this blog post. I’m feeling a bit exhausted and overwhelmed by this project. If you have any thoughts, please share them.
just met you in downtown providence. (trying to spell exacerbated)
wish i’d known you were coming – not sure how long you’re here.
interesting task you’ve taken on. trying to read slowly and take it in.
how/to work with others in getting their stories told and heard everywhere?
thank you
Saw your story on the fox news website (I think) and googled you. Not a very large entry there, but it was there! I wish they had put your website in the article. Don’t give up, you’re almost finished! I can’t imagine the emotional as well as physical energy this is costing you. The final product is worth it though – look at all the lives you have touched, and are going to touch in the coming weeks and months. You’ve heard enough stories, you don’t want mine. But I *do* want to encourage you, and to make sure you understand you are making a difference in so many people’s lives. Who else is asking them how they are affected? Nobody! Just you! I don’t know if you are religious or not, but what you are doing is certainly a work of mercy, and I say Peace be with you always!
Thank you Tracy. Wow, you are very kind.
Hi Aaron. I was driving yesterday when I heard your interview on NPR’s Marketplace (one of my favorite shows). Been following your blog and looking forward to your arrival in Grand Rapids. See ya at ArtPrize. I hope you at least get in the top 10. Good Luck! You’ve got my vote.