being there
child in poverty
san francisco
june, 2007

it's an in between day. stalled on the way somewhere. a strange intermission. tomorrow will better judge.

a lady pushes a stroller by as i hardly notice. except for a glimpse of golden locks.

they're at the intersection when i arrive. i glance down and the child in the stroller looks up. i smile. he says "hello" and smiles back. the woman doesn't notice; she continues along. and i go another way.

but they really don't seem off to an evening stroll; as they enter the park. and i peer back as they approach a group of figures barely visible under the darkness of a tree.

the woman pulls something from her jacket which she passes to the others.

i return from another direction and i'm stared down as i approach. there is the lady and a man; neither stranger to the elements. she's black; he's white. there are two older children and one baby in a second stroller. and there is the child i met before. he is 3.

the children are opening colorful bags of candy that the lady brought back. it seems to be dinner. the child hands me his bag.

the two youngest are the couple's children together. the family lives in a shelter and sometimes beneath the stars. they'll be in the shelter tonight. it opens at 9pm.

the child is "chance."

"like the movie?" i ask. "peter sellers?"

the father smiles. "no. she's 32 and i'm 42 and this here is my last chance at a life."

(6/26/07)

carmen Lorraine says: Beautifull child. -- 08:05AM, June 27, 2007.
kathalijne says: yes, a beautiful child, beautiful eyes. moving story too. i think it's great you give some extra information like that, really adds depth to the photo -- 08:10AM, June 27, 2007.
Brian Catacutan says: That is a fantastic capture. Timeless! 123. -- 08:17AM, June 27, 2007.
pîetbe says: love your stories to the pics. i will sign up. greetings, piet. -- 08:46AM, June 27, 2007.
Stefanie Bamberg says: I like it so much. The eyes of this child are so beautiful and emotional. -- 08:48AM, June 27, 2007.
Dale Neill says: Technically spot on but more importantly the way you get your subjects communicating with the lens is superb. Yet another great shot to add to your collection! -- 09:04AM, June 27, 2007.
pablo nilo says: great job, stoneth, wonderful approach to the people, and a great job for them and everybody. -- 09:10AM, June 27, 2007.
ssouravphoto says: a touching story accompanied with a beautiful portrait .... -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 09:16AM, June 27, 2007.
petite1976 says: as usual, your work amaze me great job -- 09:28AM, June 27, 2007.
daaynos says: Great portrait !! -- 09:44AM, June 27, 2007.
Jérôme ESTEVES says: It makes me think about the famous poster sold in the parisian subway and called "Rasta baby"...very nice. -- 09:53AM, June 27, 2007.
Chera25 says: Stunning! -- Seen in B&W (?) -- 10:03AM, June 27, 2007.
more* says: the deepest eyes never seen!!!!!!!!! great! -- 11:06AM, June 27, 2007.
lorac's says: wonderful portrait and work. I will be back to support your work and the family asap, financially. -- 11:28AM, June 27, 2007.
Kitbex says: beautiful. -- 11:41AM, June 27, 2007.
smile4camera says: You are awesome. The fact you care is priceless. -- 11:45AM, June 27, 2007.
~btezra~ says: once again, I am moved visually impressed emotionally moved. -- 11:46AM, June 27, 2007.
anandajoy says: Brilliant.....beautiful....deep. This child could be a model! -- 11:53AM, June 27, 2007.
mAnU werPerS says: You are wonderful. Great picture. -- 11:53AM, June 27, 2007.
original_ann says: Thank you for being the voice this family hasn't the means to be for themselves. -- 12:02PM, June 27, 2007.
kiri4 says: !!!! -- 12:04PM, June 27, 2007.
{wyethhouse} says: another touching incite and a beautiful face -- 12:26PM, June 27, 2007.
Carsten Sørensen says: This Great Photographic Art was made by a Diamond Class Photographer! Please add your photo to Flicker Diamond The Diamond Class Photographer Read the group rules please and tag your photo DiamondClassPhotographer You may tag your photo again as flickrdiamond -- 12:46PM, June 27, 2007.
lsuffy says: Well..you've got my morning off to a teary start. -- 12:51PM, June 27, 2007.
freakdog says: Very moving indeed. Those of us who have their own children will feel even more moved by this portrait. It's got both a sadness and a sense of hope. -- 12:59PM, June 27, 2007.
qheolet says: you have a great job done!!!! you can do a book really good -- 01:08PM, June 27, 2007.
etylee says: Beautiful child; moving portrait. -- 01:13PM, June 27, 2007.
Jim Dawson Photography says: you've left me absolutely speechless ... once again -- 01:53PM, June 27, 2007.
mrtobo says: fantastic movie. beautiful story. captivating photograph. i love your work. -- 03:00PM, June 27, 2007.
jeridaking says: brilliant and stunning as always. -- 03:02PM, June 27, 2007.
Slimeface says: An adult look on a baby face -- 03:43PM, June 27, 2007.
Stew* says: Tough to see, but he looks so strong. -- 03:49PM, June 27, 2007.
smirk.monster says: he is absolutely gorgeous! -- 03:54PM, June 27, 2007.
.Mohammad Taheri says: wonderful photograph and heartwarming story .. -- 04:01PM, June 27, 2007.
Joy is a Joy says: this makes me cry. he's beautiful. -- 04:04PM, June 27, 2007.
Lateefa says: stoneth, you touch my heart. -- 04:34PM, June 27, 2007.
NautilusCarly says: aw, what a cutie pie. -- 05:12PM, June 27, 2007.
suzanne† says: Oh, heavens this is piercing.... -- 05:45PM, June 27, 2007.
F R E I G E I S T says: So emotional! -- 05:58PM, June 27, 2007.
katie curran taylor says: you are a beautiful human -- 06:01PM, June 27, 2007.
Anne Bloom/one love says: reading that gave me goosebumps.. what a beautiful child... i love what you are doing...keep doing it! -- 06:15PM, June 27, 2007.
Hamed Saber says: Welcome back my friend. What a wonderful portrait! -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 06:30PM, June 27, 2007.
Rod Monkey says: Beautiful portrait. -- 07:21PM, June 27, 2007.
gp2305 says: Wow! I'm loss for words... (1-2-3) -- 08:41PM, June 27, 2007.
SkyShaper says: your style is legend -- 08:43PM, June 27, 2007.
*Photo Jen* says: Wow...what a story, and what a cutie! -- 09:04PM, June 27, 2007.
Al-Pin says: ha degli occhioni pazzeschi :)) -- 09:16PM, June 27, 2007.
somnium! says: real cute face . if only he wasnt in the spot he was.. -- 12:13AM, June 28, 2007.
Richard Cody says: Beautiful, heartbreaking portrait. I ask myself constantly why are there people sleeping on the streets in the U.S.? Why is there poverty? And all I can come up with is what I've said before and will no doubt say again - poverty is a crime perpetrated by the rich. -- 12:38AM, June 28, 2007.
J_B - Johnny B says: Your the best Thomas. I will be out in Cali soon. I will be in contact. -- 02:38AM, June 28, 2007.
sakura love says: full of emotion.. the smile really makes the image so special, so much hope -- 04:03AM, June 28, 2007.
~Mina~ says: beautiful portrait!! She looks so calm with all the hardship!! Thanks for sharing -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) WINNER Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner! Please add this photo to flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/ Feel free to post this wonderful photo into our weekly competition Invited with SIC -- 04:59AM, June 28, 2007.
MusikeSum.Sophía Orna says: ;) really good !! -- 07:16PM, June 28, 2007.
CaliforniaNat says: Awww, I'm still loving your street photos and the stories that go along with it. Starting Saturday July 7 thru July 12 my teenage son, others and YWAM will be going up to SF to help with the homeless. I would love to take some photos on the days they'll be on the street. I'm afraid that I would be invading their privacy. Great photo, I'm assuming those a some sticky candy cheeks on the child. -NAT -- 11:10PM, June 28, 2007.
altamash says: superb!!! -- 07:10AM, June 30, 2007.
pardeshi says: WINNER Your fantastic portrait picture is my winner! Please add this photo to http://www.flickr.com/groups/portraitaward/ -- Found in a search. (?) -- 01:50PM, July 01, 2007.
*kday* says: I just stumbled on your stream...it's 9 a.m. and I can't stop staring. I'm completely dumbfounded...your work is amazing...and I'm so glad you tell a story about these people too. I'm too shy to ever approach people on the street, but can relate to them...I wasn't so far from that at points...and you should be proud of the work you do. It's good to keep people's eyes open to the world around us! -- 04:12PM, July 02, 2007.
carf says: Hi Tom, Thanks for passing by my way, as always - very much appreciated. I'm glad to see you posting again. Can't keep up with everyone's presence but your images are always great to come back to....., in so many different ways. Love the story and LOVE the action. I hope you can follow it up and that the people of the Flickr community will support you in doing so. I always say that if only each person who bumps into a child on the streets, could see it in their hearts to share a little house- and heart room, there would be so much fewer kids on the streets. Today, I got a telephone call from one of the teachers who taught my difficult group of street kids during the first years of the Hummingbird project in Brazil. Her daughter, now a lawyer, had faced a similar situation with an 8-year old kid on the streets this morning in the city centre, crying to be taken off the streets. In her despair she remembered my work and called me for help. The World would be a better place if everyone cared just a little more........... Beautiful portrait by the way! -- 06:46PM, July 02, 2007.
aubry_francine says: wonderful portrait, great work BW, bravo -- 12:15AM, July 03, 2007.
Carolina Rybergs photos says: Love it! Great portrait! -- 12:07PM, July 04, 2007.
MeekoMommy says: This quite possibly would have been my daughter had she not gone into foster care... allowing us to adopt her. This little boy has very similar features. Maybe they all have the same eyes.... I want to help the family as well. -- 08:27PM, July 05, 2007.
Harpersbizarre says: Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant! -- 08:56PM, July 05, 2007.
bentza says: you're doing a great job there stoneth, I'm very impressed with all your work. -- 02:38PM, July 07, 2007.
tregansmom says: It's amazing to me how things come into ur life at just the right moment...to be sitting here woe-is-me'ing for the state of my life and then to "stumble" across your photo-stream. I am humbled and ashamed and so very moved by what you capture with your camera and words...do you ever follow up? Do you know if things improved for the family? Or any of the others for that matter? This is something I want to see on Dateline, or 20/20, the human interest, for no other reason than to share it...thank you for sharing it here. -- 08:16AM, July 08, 2007.
ß&W says: "Chance" is from where to start, and maybe you´re the way to find it... -- 06:33AM, July 09, 2007.
Lola oLiveira(.) says: Fantastic!!!! A better picture of the one than the other Congratulations!!! -- 06:59PM, July 10, 2007.
Ioannis P. Skaltsas says: This world needs more people like you ...Thank you :-) -- 01:43PM, July 11, 2007.
GButterfly says: as always your portraits and descriptions are amazing. this cild is just beautiful. It's wonderful that you can take the time to really get to know something about all of your subjects. -- 04:03PM, July 11, 2007.
MickiP65 says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Portrait by Invite, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. -- 02:30AM, July 15, 2007.
fesign says: brilliant as always -- 03:10PM, July 16, 2007.
J Danielle says: your work inspires me to do this as well. because of you, i want to use my talent to save other peoples lives and bring awareness to these situations. we are so spoiled. -- 01:35AM, July 17, 2007.
Anas Bukhash (nascity) says: Lovely kid & shot mashala =) ... -- 07:24AM, July 17, 2007.
raineys says: Thank you for caring...I ordered this print. as a show of support...Your images always haunt me and whenever I show them to others, no matter how many times, they always bring tears to my eyes. I work in a drug and alcohol treatment facility, nonprofit, and we see the homeless...the thing that most effects me is seeing grown women who are staying at the facility, holding their stuffed animals...maybe someday I will have the nerve to ask to photograph them....thanks for your inspiration! -- 02:51AM, July 18, 2007.
stoneth says: raineys: thanks so much for the support!!! :)) means a lot -- 08:40PM, July 19, 2007.
onlinedesign says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called I Love Your Face, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. There is not a whole lot of accolade I can add. It has already been stated before me. However, please share this beautiful child with our Group....because it's REAL. -- 12:33AM, July 28, 2007.
satori dragon says: very beautiful! -- 11:59PM, July 30, 2007.
Onkel Ulle says: An amazing portrait and a touching story -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 12:26AM, July 31, 2007.
* Ahmad Kavousian * says: Another wonderful portrait and sad story, welcome back Tom, Hope you bring the child a chance to survive, I've signed up for the news letter. -- 01:14AM, July 31, 2007.
nerd love says: I am going into the teaching profession here in sf and...I have to say, this picture really captures for me why I want to work here. there are so many walks of life in such a small physical area, and to be right in the thick of it is exhilarating and terrifying as a new teacher. of course I want to make a positive impact in this city, for starters. but seeing a picture like this reminds me that underneath it all, at the heart of everything is being there to listen to a child. to be lucky enough to learn as much from them as possible, because I don't kid myself in thinking that my line of work is purely altruistic. it goes both ways more often than most of the kids will ever realize. who knows, maybe chance will end up as one of my students in the near future... -- 05:24AM, July 31, 2007.
Merkur* says: I hope you don't min me posting a poen on the subject of poverty, thanks Poem of poverty Poverty, brothers, is a mouthful that's hard to swallow, A bite that sticks in your throat and leaves you in sorrow, When you watch the pale faces and rheumy eyes Observing you like ghosts and holding out thin hands; Behind you they lie, stretched out Their whole lives through, until the moment of death. Above them in the air, as if in disdain, Crosses and stony minarets pierce the sky, Prophets and saints in many colours radiate splendour. And poverty feels betrayed. Poverty carries its own vile imprint, It is hideous, repulsive, disgusting. The brow that bears it, the eyes that express it, The lips that try in vain to hide it Are the offspring of ignorance, the victims of disdain, The filthy scraps flung from the table At which for centuries Some pitiless, insatiable dog has fed. Poverty has no good fortune, only rags, The tattered banners of a hope Shattered by broken promises. Poverty wallows in debauchery. In dark corners, together with dogs, rats, cats, On mouldy, stinking, filthy mattresses, Naked breasts exposed, sallow dirty bodies, With feelings overwhelmed by bestial desire, They bite, devour, suck, kiss the sullied lips, And in unbridled lust the thirst is quenched, The craving stilled, and self-consciousness lost. Here is the source of the imbeciles, the servants and the beggars Who will tomorrow be born to fill the streets. Poverty shines in the eyes of the newborn, Flickers like the pale flame of a candle Under a ceiling blackened with smoke and spider webs, Where human shadows tremble on damp stained walls, Where the ailing infant wails like a banshee To suck the dry breasts of its wretched mother Who, pregnant again, curses god and the devil, Curses the heavy burden of her unborn child. Her baby does not laugh, it only wastes away, Unwanted by its mother, who curses it, too. How sorrowful is the cradle of the poor Where a child is rocked with tears and sighs. Poverty's child is raised in the shadows Of great mansions, too high for imploring voices to reach To disturb the peace and quiet of the lords Sleeping in blissful beds beside their ladies. Poverty matures a child before its time, Teaches it to dodge the threatening fist, The hand which clutches its throat in dreams, When the delirium of starvation begins And when death casts its shadow on childish faces, Instead of a smile a hideous grimace. While the fate of a fruit is to ripen and fall, The child is interred not maturing at all. Poverty labours and toils by day and night, Chest and forehead drenched in sweat, Up to the knees in mud and slime, And still the empty guts writhe in hunger. Starvation wages! For such a daily ordeal, A mere three or four leks and an 'On your way.' Poverty sometimes paints its face, Swollen lips scarlet, hollow cheeks rouged, And body a chattel in a filthy trade. For service in bed for which it is paid With a few lousy francs, Stained sheets, stained face and stained conscience. Poverty leaves a heritage as well, Not cash in the bank or property you can sell, But distorted bones and pains in the chest, Perhaps leaves the memory of a bygone day When the roof of the house, weakened by decay, By age and the weather collapsed and fell, And above all the din rose a terrible cry Cursing and imploring, as from the depths of hell, The voice of a man crushed by a beam. Under the heel, says the priest, of a god irate Ends thus the life of a dissolute ingrate. And so the memory of such misfortunes Fills the cup of bitterness passed to generations. Poverty in drink seeks consolation, In filthy taverns, with dirty, littered tables, The thirsting soul pours glass after glass Down the throat to forget its many worries, The dulling glass, the glass satanic, Caressing with a venomous bite. And when, like grain under the scythe, the man falls To the floor, he giggles and sobs, a tragicomic clown, And all his sorrow in drink he drowns When one by one, a hundred glasses downs. Poverty sets desires ablaze like stars in the night And turns them to ashes, like trees struck by lightning. Poverty knows no joy, but only pain, Pain reducing you to such despair That you seize the rope and hang yourself, Or become a poor victim of 'paragraphs.' Poverty wants no pity, only justice! Pity? Bastard daughter of cunning fathers, Who like the Pharisees, beating the drum Ostentatiously for their own sly ends, Drop a penny in the beggar's hands. Poverty is an indelible stain On the brow of humanity through the ages. And never can this stain be effaced By doctrines decaying in temples. By Millosh gjergj Nikolla - Migjeni, sq.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIGJENI Source ... Albanian writer of the early 20th century The original in albanian is much more touching as it rhymes better and the words are chosen to cater for the albanian listener. Versioni në shqip (The Original) është KËTU www.albasoul.com/letersia/PAVARESIA/Migjeni/poema_e_mjeri... -- Seen on your photo stream. (who am I? ...) (Explore my best ..., enjoy, :)) -- 12:13PM, August 03, 2007.
F R E I G E I S T says: Bravo Merkur! -- 07:54PM, August 03, 2007.
dlemieux says: Chance is amazing....I watched the video -- 08:15AM, August 05, 2007.
decembre says: ♥Thank you too for your post in "Portrait★Faces" Continue ! -- Seen on the explore page. (?) -- 07:12PM, August 05, 2007.
ominoes says: wonderful child -- 05:45AM, August 08, 2007.
Azli Jamil Photography says: WOW! -- 04:38AM, August 11, 2007.
Steba says: Gosh.... moving look. Great Pic -- 03:09PM, August 16, 2007.
Merkur* says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called B&W Art photography - (Updated Rules!!!) Is your art universal?, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. -- Seen in my recent comments. (who am I? ...) (Explore my best ..., enjoy, :)) -- 04:54PM, August 16, 2007.
ooneyanne says: I hope you someday put a book together. I would love to have a copy and donate one to my church library. Keep up the good work. The first step is awareness. -- 03:57AM, August 20, 2007.
Monster Pete says: tom, thanks for sharing the shot. i blogged it at blogs.newamericamedia.org/photo-of-the-day/ New America Media is an alternative news service based in San Francisco. please let me know if you need any changes to the entry. thanks! peter -- 10:23PM, August 20, 2007.
Desired says: heartbreaking -- 02:50PM, August 26, 2007.
former.ly says: oh wow. (gulp) -- 02:41PM, September 03, 2007.
mion.nl says: You are invited to join: ONE PHOTO Hope you'll join! -- 09:24AM, September 08, 2007.
flydime says: You are Master of Portraits (MP) )) -- 06:54AM, September 11, 2007.
CrazyFast says: post more soon! :D -- 12:14AM, September 17, 2007.
Kris Kros says: So remarkable. -- 07:03AM, September 17, 2007.
patisfaction ~ censored says: another sad story but what a beautiful lil kid! fab portrait as always -- 09:58AM, September 17, 2007.
{JessieN} says: moving image and story...gave me goosebumps. -- 04:25PM, September 17, 2007.
elee1147 says: tom... you never cease to amaze me....you lift my spirit with your goodness and the connectiveness you have with those around you. thank you for sharing their story. -- 10:15PM, September 17, 2007.
-kaleidoscope says: I hope he'll be a chance for himself and his family. -- 06:38PM, September 25, 2007.
(WRNR) says: I´m really proud of to be No 100.... That´s phenomenal....as ususal. Just phenomenal. Seriously. -- 06:34PM, September 28, 2007.
.Surya. says: Such a moving story...this is an amazing capture! it says so much! Thank you for sharing Stoneth! -- 04:50PM, September 29, 2007.
britt.ni says: amazing.. -- 05:27AM, October 01, 2007.
mahlee says: wow.. .how sweet :) -- 04:44PM, October 04, 2007.
Jesus Shuttlesworth says: it may sound cliche but truly words cant express the look on her face.. beautiful -- 05:05AM, October 12, 2007.
Fadzly @ Shutterhack says: Just look at this particular photo, what can you possibly say about such an image? What words add to its eloquent import? What further meaning needs conveying, beyond the tragic and anger-making suffering of small people in a wretched and betraying world not of their making? And yet this picture also expresses an implicit hope, contained within the vulnerable but resilient spirit of this small child. -- 08:32AM, October 12, 2007.
sapixie says: Sad yet beautiful face - love the emotion captured -- 10:44AM, October 16, 2007.
un~touchαble; says: Oooh. She's so cute. -- 05:42PM, October 16, 2007.
CiderTider says: Absolutely stunning photo and description... just wow. I got goosebumps as well. Thank you for this photo... -- 03:55AM, October 24, 2007.
Victoria Mas says: Fantastic capture - that expression is just amazing! I think this photo is a Super Shot Please add your photo to www.flickr.com/groups/supershot/ After you add it to the group pool, please tag this photo as a SuperShot -- 07:43PM, October 24, 2007.
harrietbarber says: Moving portrait of a beautiful child. -- 10:46PM, October 24, 2007.
kyramas says: Beautiful and strong image ! -- 08:17AM, November 01, 2007.
SF Boe says: Hope you like it! your beautiful fotos provide inspiration for me today. Here is a sorta tribute to your work – thanks www.flickr.com/photos/boebob/ awaken! -- 10:51PM, November 02, 2007.
Sim.B says: Those eyes say it even if you hadnt written the words, stunning shot of a stark reality that I truly at times dont fathom.. -- 09:34PM, November 06, 2007.
Mairi Stephen says: If the world had a few more people like you what a better place it would be. As a Healer, I shall send some healing this boys way at our next group session. -- 10:04AM, November 20, 2007.
Mrs. Wheel says: Beauty is so much more than 5'10 blond hair , blue eyes, botox and Hollywood and you capture that every time...Wonderful. -- 09:34AM, November 29, 2007.
simplementeyo_nany says: Hola, soy el administrador de un grupo llamado NUESTROS HIJOS y nos encantaría agregar tu foto al grupo. -- 07:07PM, December 03, 2007.
l'enfer says: WoW! -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 04:26AM, December 20, 2007.
About a Majordomo says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Art of the Black and White - Emotions [NEW ICON - POST!!!], and we'd love to have your photo added to the group. INVITE you to join this group !!!!! "Art of the light" Please add this photo to the group www.flickr.com/groups/Art_of_the_light; It would be great to have you with us! i have not words.... -- 05:40PM, December 28, 2007.
Sandi Marie says: Amazing photo and story!!! -- 08:50AM, January 02, 2008.
badraiderfan says: Wow. There is so much work to be done. We will be in contact. Thanks for the fantastic pic. -- 04:22PM, January 14, 2008.
Drive⏎ says: beautiful, such a moving picture, and this is allowed to happen in the richest country on the planet. how very sad. -- 08:53AM, February 09, 2008.
mgparera says: incredibly beautiful... -- 10:17PM, February 14, 2008.
photosofy says: Your pictures are great!! -- 03:50PM, February 23, 2008.
the North West says: i see this family all the damn time -- 01:56AM, February 26, 2008.
astenduhr says: brilliant portrait! -- 06:11PM, March 30, 2008.
eckmeck11 says: thank you for your work!! -- 03:13PM, April 05, 2008.
MoonMystic says: How could you walk away? -- 03:29AM, April 07, 2008.
Cherry Bakewell says: That's so tragic. -- 10:33AM, April 22, 2008.
citro25bye says: So fare from our usual portraits ! Thanks, beautiful ! -- 05:24PM, May 20, 2008.
Say | PHHAT Productions says: I LOVE this photo. I'm checking out the video! -- 12:42AM, May 22, 2008.
mojopharm says: Due to many circumstances, I've been away from flickr for about a year. Carefully making a comeback now, and I can't tell you how glad I am to see that you're still doing what you do. I've tried to describe your photos of the homeless and poverty-stricken to others, but I can never do you the absolute justice that you deserve. Amazing....as always. Keep on doing what you do and touching the lives of so many with your work. Thank you. ~Mary -- 10:03AM, June 16, 2008.
imsoloco says: The eyes tells the story -- 06:42PM, June 17, 2008.
SplendidFig says: so beautiful. -- 10:27PM, July 01, 2008.
emadivine says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called BLACK+WHITE=[AWARD]-post1 award3 before u-JOIN CONTEST!, and we'd love to have this added to the group! she has a lovely eyes. excellent portrait! this is excellent! i would like to invite this photo to join our group contest. 2nd Contest! "CHILDREN, KIDS" -- 09:09PM, July 26, 2008.
BRUIN_K says: He is beautiful. Amazing eyes. -- 06:39AM, August 01, 2008.
Taylor Made Photography says: That was an Amazing Story and photo -- 10:05PM, August 15, 2008.
[deleted by administrator] says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called All People Are Equal, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 10:59AM, August 28, 2008.
niklens says: wonderful portrait....!!!! -- 08:25PM, September 01, 2008.
jedemias says: i love yours portraits, this litle child broke my heart -- 01:44AM, September 04, 2008.
clarecita1 says: what a great portrait and a strong story... thanx for sharing! -- 10:29AM, October 26, 2008.
carolefun904 says: it's been 17 months, i wonder how they are doing? and although she has this beautiful child, plus the 2 others you mentioned, i hope she avails herself of birth control and free medical care for the children as the boy does not look well. -- 08:31PM, November 05, 2008.
achilles' eel says: jesus. beautiful work -- 07:33AM, November 25, 2008.
sleeky2007 says: impressive all your work -- 06:47PM, November 27, 2008.
.::rosiero::. says: your portraits of these homeless san francisco folk have left me speechless. their eyes and the stories they had to share..nothing short of amazing. -- 12:52AM, December 15, 2008.
Two & Two Together says: Thank you for your generosity! I have used this photo on my site (Two And Two Together). I would like you to visit it and tell me if you like to see your photo in that context. twoandtwotogether.com/ -- 04:35AM, January 28, 2009.
amnonkotler says: thanks. -- 11:17AM, February 03, 2009.
kelsee reeves | photography says: wow! i met this family in may 08..i saw this picture and it made me think of them..i read your story and tears streamed down my face..i sat and talked to this family for about 2 1/2 hours that day..the baby's name is ocean, the older girl is chelsea..i don't remember the older boy..chance stole my heart though..i think about them often -- 08:54PM, February 18, 2009.
Rachel Roberts 14 says: wow that is a really toutching story. i love how you explain this picture cause chance is a truly beautiful child. -- 05:59AM, March 15, 2009.
refreshment_66 says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Photos Without A Rabbit, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 12:30AM, May 30, 2009.
refreshment_66 says: Powerful photo. -- 12:30AM, May 30, 2009.
Thunder Ground says: I know this kid. He is a whirl wind of bad behavior and curiousness. Yes friendly and warm. He repeatedly yelled "Ya wanna suck ma weener?" And once actually whipped it out. We were selling sage on the hill and he stole one of out items. His mother is a wise soul who is trying to do what she knows best. -- 04:19AM, August 10, 2009.
sgbaughn says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called LMN8R - Theme of "The Living Face", and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 11:53PM, November 16, 2009.
Doris Chiesa Photography says: amazing shoot! This in my expo now, I invite you to see it. -- 01:21PM, February 03, 2010.
stoneth says: biogirl_p53: luvly gallery -- 12:27AM, February 04, 2010.
meredith markleigh says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called the kids are all right..., and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 11:41PM, April 03, 2010.
Gagosha says: I love it ! :) -- 06:04PM, May 12, 2010.
Heart of Áfrika Designs says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Áfrikan Portraits (Photographic, Fine Art, Tribal & Scenic), and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 01:18AM, July 03, 2010.
Jean-François Chénier says: Breathtaking shot. -- 01:09PM, August 31, 2010.
Houdini Bye Bye! says: Lovely pic! Touching story! -- 12:37AM, November 10, 2010.
raineys says: I purchased one of these photos and just wanted to let you know that it is hanging on our wall at work to promote donations for the hungry through Second Harvest Food Bank here in Santa Cruz. Thanks again for your wonderful work! -- 10:29PM, November 24, 2010.
Harpersbizarre says: raineys- I work with Tom and will share this ASAP- he's shooting so much right now, I don't know when he'll reply. What a perfect place to share the work. Blessings to you:) -- 02:47AM, November 25, 2010.
JoelDC says: Amazing capture... Heartbreaking story.. -- 09:18AM, November 15, 2011.
J C E P O N G says: So delicate! -- 09:50AM, May 04, 2012.
rapitful.blogspot.com says: Analizen apo referatin ose komentin per vepren Poema e Mjerimin mund ta gjeni ne linkun e meposhtem rapitful.blogspot.com/2012/08/poema-e-mjerimit-koment.html -- 04:45PM, March 29, 2013.