John used to randomly climb through the thick brush and end up in front of my parents house, mostly on Sunday mornings. We would have random short conversations about his day to day activities. Whenever I saw him around South Side I always greeted him and offered him money, food, water.. He respectfully declined handouts. Most recent conversation opportunity I had with John (2012), was at the AM/PM mini mart off of interstate 805 North and Palm Avenue. He was purchasing vitamin packs and water. His grungy outfitted attire was easy for outsiders to perceive him as your typical homeless man. Before John paid for his items, I offered him some cash to cover the expense, he kindly declined as expected. After completing the sale, we walked out together and chatted, he did most of the talking. I noticed a limp in his walk as he straddled over to a bag of aluminum soda cans in plastic bags, rubber banded and tied to a Eucalyptus tree branch. I asked why I havent seen him running lately and why the limp. He replied, As I was sleeping underneath the bridge, a bunch of those God Damn Skater kids beat me with their skate boards. My jaw fell open, I was infuriated. Irritated mostly because Of the simple fact, like many of us, saw him as an iconic figure. I asked him if he needed a ride, he said No Thank You son. Before we parted ways I ensured there was nothing I could do for him. He assured me that this was his choice of lifestyle he needed to live and gave me a quick overview of his day to day operation for survival. John recycles cans for money to acquire needed nutrients for his daily activities. Although unable to run, you can catch him on a light stroll in the eucalyptus tree line or pavement, one mile radius of Del Sol and attends mass every Sunday. John is the unofficial iconic representation of South Side San Diego. Despite his troubling past, Ive never had the chance to know true clarity of his situation. Many rumors and spinoffs are in the air. If you see him, give him a friendly hello and/or attempt a food/drink offering, hopefully hell take it! #replifestyle #replifestyle_official #palmavenue #Johnthebackwardsrunner
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 08:12:30 +0000
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