His Name is Roy

I was on one of my photo journeys just walking along snapping pics. As I walked I came upon this small park near my house. It is well known for being a spot of refuge for the homeless and those suffering from drug addiction with no place to go. There's always a group gathered together under the only pavilion in the park. You can find them napping, talking, arguing, sharing a six pack of natural ice or just having a good laugh. Most times when I come through I'm taking pics or just cutting through the park on a morning run. When I do they always say hello or ask if I have any change or dollars to spare. If I have it to give I'm always accommodating of course. This particular day when I walked through a man shouted at me "hey what are you up to". He then began walking in my direction waving at me to stop and wait for him to come over and greet me. I stood there with curiosity as he walked in my direction with a slight limp. Once he finally made it over to me he asked "What are you doing, taking pictures?" I smiled and responded yes. That seemed to please him so he sat on a log in front of me and asked if I could take his picture. I took a few shots and began to take another when in mid snap he said to me "I'm not homeless ya know" The statement caught me off guard but I responded "I didn't think you were" even though that was a lie. In my head that was the first thing I thought about when he walked over. I was just so sure he was homeless and was about to ask me for money. But he didn't. He then proceeded to tell me that coming to this park is therapy for him. He said he used to be homeless and on drugs just like these people. He told me he is clean now and only comes to the park to talk to the people there. He tells of his battle with drugs, having to sleep on the streets and how he made it out. He offers them hope, words of encouragement and expresses to them that they too can change their situation. He told me from time to time he just comes over to share the positivity but also to remind himself of where he came from and what he never wants to go back to. Roy is his name. He told me how now he has a new home with a nice place to sleep and a good job doing trucking where they pay him very well. Hearing his story touched me because sometimes what we see is what we believe. I saw this man in the park and just assumed he was homeless and wanted money from me. When really all he wanted to do was get a photo and share his story. He also displayed great humility by recognizing the hardships and where he once came from yet he wasn't ashamed to acknowledge that and let me know he was once no different than the people sleeping the park. His name is Roy