San Francisco's Melting Pot

San Francisco is definitely a melting pot of people. Every imaginable ethnic group lives here. We have straight people, gay people; big people, little people; men who dress like women, women who dress like men; people with normal hair and bright colored hair; people with tattoos and piercings and just about anything else you can think of. Needless to say, San Francisco is a wonderful place to be. There is no other place like it in the world!

There is a transvestite near Pier 39 who always draws a crowd. He dresses in an outrageous pink long glamor dress with feathers and boas (the kind of dress you would see on a Las Vegas stage). The heels alone that he wears are a sight to be seen! He lays a pink fuzzy rug out on the bench and sprawls out. Madame Pink is in all her glory now, smiling and waving. She calls all of us "honey" or "sweetie." Always polite and always nice, she is a pleasure to stop by and chat with.

A few years ago, we met this man (also near to Pier 39) who was on the streets holding up a sign advertising his need for money. We have many homeless people in San Francisco. But something about this man caught our attention...... and funny bones. First of all, he was not the typical homeless person. He was dressed "down" but his clothes were clean. His fingernails were a bit dirty but they seemed to be stained from the nicotine. He didn't smell. Although he smoked a cigarette he was careful to keep the smoke out of the way of anyone it bothered. He had real manners for a homeless guy. What caught our attention was the sign he carried and the fact he never actually ASKED anyone for money. If they gave it, he was grateful, if not, he didn't mind.

When I first read his sign, I wasn't "thinking" (as usual). I thought he was collecting money for a "good cause." When I reread his sign, I found my heart melt. Here was this man, obviously homeless who actually had a great sense of humor! We talked to him for awhile. He seemed to be educated. He was really nice. I told him I'd give him money towards his "good cause" if he let me take a photo so I could put it up in our Fire Station. He agreed. I took only one photo and it came out perfect. He has been on our bulletin board ever since.
We have tried to look for him several times in the past to no avail. We would love to see how he is doing today. One day we hope to find him again. He really did have a big impact on our lives.... through a sign that showed humor even through difficult times.

People in San Francisco are so diverse. You never know what to expect. But your heart goes out to each and every one of them. Often you only see them once and spend the next few years wondering about them and looking at all the faces you meet just to see if just by chance one of them will be that one person who burned a memory in your heart and soul. Often you never see them again. But there are those wonderful moments when you do and you try so hard to contain your relief and happiness. It is a strange feeling.... but one most Firefighters and Paramedics experience often in San Francisco. San Francisco........ our melting pot........ the place that melts our hearts all the time.