Early this past week, the weather was great for skating. No matter what time of the day, not too hot, not too cold. But despite the sun and blue skies, not everyone was enjoying the day.
Upon arriving downtown in the morning, I came across the aftermath of a terrible car accident. At least one person was injured and taken away in ambulance. This was the second time in a year I have videoed a car on it’s side in that quadrant of the city.
Around the corner, The City Market Farmer’s Market was just getting started. Further down on Market, construction continued in front of City County. Seems like every time one section of the street is open, another part closes. I get around the closures much faster on my board than I would on foot.
Out in front of Lugar Plaza, I caught the Sarah Scarbourough duo doing a number on stage and even got a wave as I circled around for a shot. I’ll take a smile and a wave any day over snarl and stink face, although bitterness often makes for better ratings.
Street drugs taking a toll
Later in the afternoon, I ran into a nice guy who tried to share a little street footage he got of some people drugged out at 21st and Shadeland. His phone was so cracked up I could barely see anything in the bright sun, but I’ve seen it enough times downtown to know what they look like. Glazed over eyes. Sometimes talking to themselves or imaginary spectres. Confrontational. Often passed out and foaming at the mouth. Sometimes simply worn down and out.
These days, I see a lot less suffering on the streets than I have over the last three years. Many of the people I’ve come to know are now living in housing. Some reside in hotels for a while. Others have found apartments.
Back near the Circle, I caught a glimpse of a City Safety Ambassador keeping watch on a panhandler. A few feet away, a guy was shaving in the reflection of a window. At least the now defunct Dick’s Bodacious Barbecue is good for something.
Keep pushing through
Towards the end of the afternoon, I came across Isaiah Thacker. He was working hard to ollie over the mulch in the middle of Georgia Street. In the end, he landed with his back wheels digging into the dirt. However, Isaiah managed to roll out onto the street and avoid falling off. His perseverance was inspiring.
That’s how life is sometimes. Not perfect, but if we keep pushing through, we just might make it to the other side in tact.
To all of you who keep on pushing through, Godspeed!