Skin Deep

Everyone has a story, and sometimes they're willing to share it with a total stranger. 

Meet Richard. 

At first glance, this mohawk sporting man could be intimidating.  The biker attitude, and the fact that he towers over most everyone around, does not make him look very approachable.  Yet, when I saw him, I knew I would feel really comfortable around him.  With the biggest smile I felt from my heart, I asked him if he was going for a ride.  Surprised, he turned around and smiled almost as wide as me.  I must have looked like a little kid to him, as I'm "vertically challenged" and he had a good foot and a half on me.  We chatted about the weather for a second and then he told me that he was in town visiting a friend who is also a long time survivor.  "Survivor?", I asked.  "Yes, HIV survivor, 23 years and counting".  I instinctively wanted to hug him, this total stranger just opened up his whole life to me.  He told me his story, and as I listened, I heard his gentle voice, saw his bright blue eyes light up when he mentioned his friends,  also long time survivors, and at the end, I asked him if I could take his picture.  I didn't tell him what I do for a living, because it wasn't important, I just wanted to take his portrait for me.  He agreed to it and to have me share part of his story on the blog. 

Remember that everyone has a story and if you listen without judgment, you can be gifted with meeting a beautiful, gentle Soul...

and then... he left...