It was so quiet when he woke up to the cool breeze swirling up off the bay; he wondered how he did not notice them all earlier. Not the beautiful trees framing the great bridge, or the many views of the city and bay from his current lodging, or even the plethora of pigeons milling about for a handout, but rather the number of bums, like himself actually, sleeping on benches and in the grass of Golden Gate Park.
The resources had dwindled since last night’s romp through China Town. An accounting nets him $0.36, a blank check folded deep in his wallet, and a half box of Nature’s Valley granola, remember that stuff? After what had been a great trip over the last four weeks, now required a clear consideration of options.
September’s semester was not far off and he quickly concluded that he needed to clear his head, and cross this great land of ours to the beer town of Milwaukee, and continue to indulge in the education that many of these bench mates in the park may not have been fortunate enough to have had provided them.
Strange how, when you ask folks for a favor, they sometimes say yes and more. First off, he had breakfast in a diner based on an agreement with the owner that he would send him a check for the full amount when he returned home. And he did. Then he spoke to people along the street regarding the location of the airport. One dude said he would give him directions and bus fair if he shared a couple stories about Al McGuire, the now famous and demonstrative coach of the Marquette Warriors. And so he did.
(Picture left is Al, on top of the scorers table saluting angry rival fans after a big win. Note the fan in the middle saluting back.)Although those days were different, he still was surprised how that blank check was suitable tender for an airline ticket back to the Midwest. Waking up before landing he commented to the gent to his right that these seats were not nearly as comfortable as the benches in San Francisco.
The stewardess asked if he needed anything else before beginning the descent, and he just smiled and commented that he had everything he needed.
Just like his friends in the park.
