For those in the DC area, check out the 11pm news on NBC 4 Tuesday night. There is supposed to be a report on the Year of Giving.
So the voting for the Clyde’s dinner is done. The two top finishers were Larry from Day 90 (34 votes) and Roger from Day 57 (11 votes). Congratulations guys. I am going to contact them and set up a time with Hans from Clyde’s. I’ll make sure to get a picture and post it.
Other day I was walking down Connecticut Avenue when I saw a man with two guitars (one with 10-15 feet of rope tied around it) strung around his neck, a baby’s pacifier threaded into his hair, one shoe, and one sandal. I didn’t really have time at the moment to stop and talk to him, but when else do you find a guy like this, right?!
Gary (Photo: Reed)
So I stop and talk to Gary. He is 57 and has been in DC since 1967. He says that he is married, but has an open relationship and doesn’t live with his wife currently. He has five children.
Gary clearly has some challenges. He openly admits to a substance abuse problem and some criminal misdemeanors. I asked if he had been drinking or done any drugs that day and he said no. When you see the video, you can make up your own mind on that issue. He told me that he goes to AA meetings regularly at the Reeves Center.
Gary's guitar (Photo: Reed)
I won’t say much more about the man who calls himself “Johnny Wa Wa” except that as I was leaving, a woman stopped and said hello to him. He asked if she would marry him. She laughed and said “no.” He asked for her address and she denied him again. After I left I saw the woman and asked her about Gary. She said that he is a smart and very friendly man with a substance abuse problem. She vouched that he does go to AA meetings. She herself is a recovering substance abuser and knows Gary through AA meetings. She shared with me that she recently celebrated five years of sobriety. It was nice to see her reaching out to be a friend of someone who needs positive influences around them.
Who knows where my $10 will end up…but Gary says he is going to most likely use it to get two strings for his guitar – which only had four strings on it.
Year of Giving 
God bless you as you continue to approach people with a giving heart and hand. I didn’t watch Gary’s video, but kind of get the gist of things and I find it particularly encouraging that you don’t avoid anyone because of how they look or sound. 🙂 You are on an amazing journey and touching so many along the way! Thank you! Deb
He sounds horrible, but his spirit is good. Nice story.
I am a bus operator for Metro. I meet homeless people all the time. I even have some favorites. I have seen the Cat in the Hat man several times. There is also a couple who is now on Wisconsin Ave. who are may favs. I have been thinking for a while that I want to help the homeless and even try to open a shelter for them or at least provide meals. Unfortunately I am not financially able to do all that I want to do. So, i guess ur idea of $10 dollars a day is a start. If u have any ideas on how I can make my idea/dream possible please let me know. However, all of the time when I see the people I want to help I am operating the bus. I WILL find a way around this. Hopefully u can make my idea/dream come true. Also I do not carry cash on me most of the time. We are known to get robbed.
OMG… I think that $10 was not likely spent well….
And to think ; there are some Fuzzy Headed Liberals ( democrats ) who want to legalize drugs. I hope they get a chance to view this video.