So, last night I rode the bus to go into town for a couple of beers. I ride the bus, a lot. Mostly to work and to go drinking in town (don't drink and drive). Anyway, for about 14 years, I've seen this guy on the bus, periodically. We've never exchanged names, but we sort of chat when we see each other. He's older than me, by prob'ly 20 years or so. Vietnam vet. Lived in San Fran in the 60s. Says he hung out with Jefferson Airplane and partied with the Doors when they were coming up. Pretty interesting guy. Anyway, I've watched this guy as his health has deteriorated. . . He says that he started having seizures and has been on medication for a few years, now. Just been sort of downhill as time has gone on. Last night, I saw him on the bus, like I said. I mentioned that it was later in the evening than I would usually see him. He said that, as of January 1, 2008, the rent in his apartment was raised high enough that his income and his disability benefit would no longer cover it. . . So, as of Jan 1, he is living on the street. He still gets his disability check, I guess, so he has some income, but is on the street until he can get all of his section 8 housing stuff together. I gotta' say. . . This guy is tough, and he has a pretty positive attitude about everything, considering the circumstances. Honestly, it seems like he has everything under control and has the wheels in motion. I didn't get the impression that he felt like he needed any assistance, other than the public assistance that he was pursuing. He got off the bus a while before I did. Truthfully, every time I see this guy, I sort of forget about him until we bump into each other, again. I wonder how things are going to be for him, next time. . .
