I knew this kind man was that he likes a good amount of cream & sugar in his coffee. The level of cream & sugar I often saw many of my methadone patients place in their cups of coffee. We're talking three(ish) Tbs. of both cream and sugar for a 6-8oz. mug of caffeine laced black liquid.
I also knew that he loved our Little Tomato.
Upon our first visit with Carpenter's Corner Ralph began cooing and fawning over Little Tomato from 10 ft. down the primary hall where both guests & voluteers meander between the kitchen, food serving line, waiting room & dining area.
Slowly from the main entrance Ralph made his way toward us with his arms extended as though he could already sense and wanted to hug our Little Tomato's spirit.
With her strapped to my chest he glanced at her, looked up to me and asked if he could bless her.
I also knew that he loved our Little Tomato.
Jake, Little Tomato & Ralph
Upon our first visit with Carpenter's Corner Ralph began cooing and fawning over Little Tomato from 10 ft. down the primary hall where both guests & voluteers meander between the kitchen, food serving line, waiting room & dining area.
Slowly from the main entrance Ralph made his way toward us with his arms extended as though he could already sense and wanted to hug our Little Tomato's spirit.
With her strapped to my chest he glanced at her, looked up to me and asked if he could bless her.
Because I saw no reason to decline this stately old man of an opportunity to engage with Little Tomato, I extended him permission to do so.
Slowly he raised his both hands, placed them over her head of newly sprouted red hair and offered her a blessing.
He prayed for her health.
He prayed for her strength.
He prayed for her future.
He offered gratitude for her life.
He thanked God for us, her parents.
He giggled & laughed through it all, Praising God as though God herself were tickling him or gently whispering in his ear as he was trying to talk with Her.
All the while our Little Tomato patiently and full of love kept her gaze fixed on Ralph, never shying away from his hand or quick glances during his communication with God.
When he was finished he fawned over Little Tomato a bit longer, commenting on her eyes, her smile, tickling her arms & legs while laughing to himself as though God was continuing to whisper to him the goodness & secrets of life through his interaction with her.
He then took my hand and asked if I would kindly get him a cup of coffee. Lots of cream & sugar.
Two months later as Ralph, Jake & our Little Tomato were sitting together, enjoying lunch and conversations about Ralph's ex-wife, old cars and 50's era music another guest approached him and asked if Little Tomato was his granddaughter. With a quick glance in our direction, as if to ask permission without words, he shared, "yes, she is my granddaughter. Isn't she precious?".
I never expected a relationship with Ralph when I called Francis in December to ask if they needed some help on Mondays at Carpenter's Corner. All I knew was that I wanted our Little Tomato to know others outside of the normal circles we run around in. I want her to know that relationships with others unlike ourselves is what life is all about - it's how we grow, mature and truly learn to truly love.
I also want her to know that service is important. That service does not exist without sacrifice. That service is not the most convenient, but completely worth it.
I also want her to know that it's in relationships like that which we have developed with Ralph that the goodness of all that is, is God present.
So we keep comin' back.
Every other Monday we greet Ralph, laugh with the guests, serve those who cannot wait in line, wipe tables, sweep floors and sit back and be amazed at all that Carpenter's Corner has done and is doing for the community of those most loved in Beckley.
If you live in the Beckley area and are interested in volunteering please take a look here and give them a call. It's not a decision you'll regret.
Now - onto the preserved links from this week!
Slowly he raised his both hands, placed them over her head of newly sprouted red hair and offered her a blessing.
He prayed for her health.
He prayed for her strength.
He prayed for her future.
He offered gratitude for her life.
He thanked God for us, her parents.
He giggled & laughed through it all, Praising God as though God herself were tickling him or gently whispering in his ear as he was trying to talk with Her.
All the while our Little Tomato patiently and full of love kept her gaze fixed on Ralph, never shying away from his hand or quick glances during his communication with God.
When he was finished he fawned over Little Tomato a bit longer, commenting on her eyes, her smile, tickling her arms & legs while laughing to himself as though God was continuing to whisper to him the goodness & secrets of life through his interaction with her.
He then took my hand and asked if I would kindly get him a cup of coffee. Lots of cream & sugar.
Two months later as Ralph, Jake & our Little Tomato were sitting together, enjoying lunch and conversations about Ralph's ex-wife, old cars and 50's era music another guest approached him and asked if Little Tomato was his granddaughter. With a quick glance in our direction, as if to ask permission without words, he shared, "yes, she is my granddaughter. Isn't she precious?".
I never expected a relationship with Ralph when I called Francis in December to ask if they needed some help on Mondays at Carpenter's Corner. All I knew was that I wanted our Little Tomato to know others outside of the normal circles we run around in. I want her to know that relationships with others unlike ourselves is what life is all about - it's how we grow, mature and truly learn to truly love.
I also want her to know that service is important. That service does not exist without sacrifice. That service is not the most convenient, but completely worth it.
I also want her to know that it's in relationships like that which we have developed with Ralph that the goodness of all that is, is God present.
So we keep comin' back.
Every other Monday we greet Ralph, laugh with the guests, serve those who cannot wait in line, wipe tables, sweep floors and sit back and be amazed at all that Carpenter's Corner has done and is doing for the community of those most loved in Beckley.
If you live in the Beckley area and are interested in volunteering please take a look here and give them a call. It's not a decision you'll regret.
Now - onto the preserved links from this week!
I've been pressed to make bread lately. But every time I think about making a nice loaf of whole grain bread I come across recipes like this & this and all motivation for healthy carbs. flies out the window.
I got me some ramps yesterday! What will I do with them? Shall I make some pesto? Can them? Or just straight up devour them?
Through one way or another we came across this this past week. It's pretty amazing and informational. I like things that make me think on an angle.
My closest friend, knowing my love for all things beans & all things free sent me this last week. If I could start a business, I would start something exactly like this.
This is just a really neat website and so important for those of us who are trying to learn how to forage without dying.
Oh My Goodness. Stop. Make. Now.
Am I the only one who didn't know about this?
Such an important topic to discuss and increase awareness about.
Genius. Jealous I didn't think of it myself.
As my cousin so urgently phrased it, "This is happening right now!"
Great read. Ahhh... the beauty in chaos.
Currently reading this. Yes, it too (like many other books recently) is changing me.
Lastly, our family are big advocated of using pressure cookers. Like, we have bought probably hooked up over 10 individuals/families with their own to cook & can with. This was a great article about the secret benefits of canning with a pressure cooker! Be still my beating heart.
Also - as a side note, I have a new goal! To help motivate me to spend more time writing I'm going to be posting every Wednesday a little shenanigans about canning. Yes, that means by tomorrow I'll have something up. Okay. I have committed. Let's get writing!
Also - as a side note, I have a new goal! To help motivate me to spend more time writing I'm going to be posting every Wednesday a little shenanigans about canning. Yes, that means by tomorrow I'll have something up. Okay. I have committed. Let's get writing!
0 comments:
Post a Comment