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While not a soup kitchen's deep need, I coached Little League for a couple of years. Alan, one of my good friends decided there were just too many kids crammed on each team so he asked to form a new one. What he was dealt was the kids.... let's just say who weren't as athletically gifted or maybe the less disciplined of the entirety. I just happened up one night to watch a game. I'd coached and played for years and as the game progressed I offered Alan some advice on things I felt he was missing. At about the game's end he turned to me and said "Do you want a cap?" Well damn I thought I'd overstepped my bounderies and felt embarassed. As it turned out he was asking for a helping hand. I had the best time with those kids. Most of them from disadvantaged homes whether economically or drug and alcohol influenced. By the end of my 2 years coaching those kids I'd all but adopted a couple of them and Alan had an extended family as well. I never realised the extent of my influence till I was in a diner one day and approached by this huge black teen. I was apprehensive when he spoke because I didn't understand what he said. He repeated... "Are you coming to the game?" Well I was just taken aback... as I looked at this big adult sized fella I recognised him at once. He was the "troublemaker" I'd held upside down over a trash can as proof he needed to listen. To be truthful, tears welled up as he walked of and I reflected. He really cared that I came to watch him play football. We do things daily and try to contribute. It feels great to see even the most basic of recognition years later. I know, it's not conquering hunger or making strides in world peace but it felt pretty damn good to me.
Lixx Hon I admire your plans. You're a pretty terrific lady inside and out. You'll be missed but know we all back your quest even if we do have to do without you for a bit. HUGGS
(sorry if I got too windy)