As part of the feature profile story that I'm doing, I have to take a pretty interesting trip Wednesday morning.

My story profiles a man who grew up on the South Side in the "projects," had many chances to succeed and blew each one. He's worked as a security guard the past 11 years, and doesn't seem to have any ambition to move forward.

In 2003, he was involved in a CTA train accident in Chicago, and was flung out of the back of a car on to the soot floor of the underground tracks eight feet below. He was trampled by other evacuating passengers and suffered a severe puncture wound to his abdomen.

Hesitant to go the hospital, he nearly passed out on the sidewalk and was thrown into the back of an ambulance. This would be his first trip to a hospital or clinic in 13 years. After stabilizing his injuries, doctors did a Doppler Ultrasound to determine if he had any other internal wounds. Doctors found that one of his kidneys was engulfed in cancer. He had the kidney removed a month later, and now, has a clean bill of health.

He's a very interesting character --- the type that works remedial jobs, clashes with employers, yet is very kind and humble and commonly quotes Abe Lincoln, Howard Hughes and uses obscure references from Broadway plays of the 1950's and random historical facts.

Anyway, I've pounded out about 5,600 words on this guy, and on Wednesday I finally get to meet his mother. He advised me to do an interview with her over the phone, but she still lives where he grew up, and first-hand knowledge of his upbrining could prove to add some serious texture to the historical aspect of my story.

When I called his mother to schedule an appointment, she wouldn't let me come any time after 3 p.m. I originally proposed that we meet on Monday night (tonight), but she told me: "I really don't want you to be down here any time after 3 p.m. This neighborhood wouldn't be safe for someone like you (read=white). I really wouldn't feel comfortable with it. How about you come some morning?"

Okay, I thought, but that's kind of weird.

"When you see anyone, just don't talk to them. If they ask you something, just say 'I don't know. I'm just here to see Ms. Dorsey.' Keep quiet and look the other way."

I'm really looking forward to it. This is exactly what I wanted to get out of J-School. Plus, it's turning out to be a really good story.

Wish me luck.