Show Up for John: Help in the World

Today I met John. He completed a 12 year sentence yesterday. This is a glimpse of his story.

He was standing outside CVS, wearing a winter jacket and a mask. He asked me if I could spare anything for him. I stopped to explain that I only had a single on me but I would be happy to pick up some food inside for him after I grabbed my prescription. He told me he got out of prison in St. Cloud yesterday and was dropped off here in Minneapolis to stay at a halfway facility. He survived a twelve year sentence – I didn't care to ask what for, because I had no interest in forcing him to relive the trauma. He asked for a lemonade, so I promised him I'd grab one on my way out. He also asked for some chicken, so I said we could walk over to Cub Foods next.

Inside CVS, I also grabbed some sandwiches, a notebook and some pens for him. He determined the lemonade wasn't his favorite kind so I promised him we could get whatever drink he likes over at Cub. On the walk over, everyone was so kind and welcoming to him – saying hi and showing support for him, like his community knew exactly what he was going through. He said he would take care of me because I was taking care of him - which is the sweetest thing anyone has said to me lately. We walked through Cub, chatting, and making plans to stay in touch – he insisted that I give him my real phone number (a teensy flirtatiously) which I assured him I would. He kept calling me funny as hell, especially when I ran to grab napkins for him while we checked out.

We walked back to CVS, and I could tell he was getting anxious. He told me he hates being seen by everybody pulling into the parking lot and walking around. He said he feels invisible, and like the scum of the Earth. It took all I could to not say, "Same, John. I've felt that way, too. I've been in the same boat," because all he needed in that moment was to simply be heard and validated.

After we got his food and things bagged up – the Cub cashier gave him extra paper bags, shoutout to that queen – I wrote down my number in his new notebook and ordered a Lyft for him back to his place. This is where he checked me – he asked if I fuck with him, and if I can help him, which took me aback. I said of course I fuck with you, but what do you mean? He said he wanted a GoFundMe, and a video to go up on TikTok – and that's when it dawned on me. I forgot that I had access to the world with a device in my purse, and that I can lean on others to help someone in need.

At John's request, I took a photo of him and filmed this video. He recounts his story with such conviction, bravery and humility. I can only imagine all the chapters he's leaving out, especially knowing he couldn't name anyone he wanted to send a message to – but I'd like to do my part in building a bright future for him here in Minnesota. He said he's from Mississippi, and would like to go to California, and that he can't stand it here. But maybe while he's here, some of us can show him the upside.

Please donate, and spread the message to #SeeJohnWin