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Taco Bell Coffee
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Taco Bell Coffee |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States 
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Taco Bell Coffee By Larry Chadwick A true story from 1991. The next year I was homeless but well groomed. The clouds hung low seeping rain drops into everything and it was cold. He had entered Taco Bell for a reprieve and a coffee that must have been average. It was the ninety-nine cent meal that brought me in. The dining area was crowded. Yet people found enough tables to keep their distance from him. While waiting in that long line I had plenty of time to assess my strategy. All of the plastic lining hung from the hem of his jacket to below his knees. There wasn’t a chance of any insulation being left in that once discarded coat. Still it was his source of protection. Evidence of his homelessness was plain in both his odor and his appearance. Jeans stiff with grime. Matted hair distracting from his stubbled face. And eyes that stared into no future. The void between him and anyone else was understandable. My dad taught me compassion. And if it didn’t apply now it seemed to be of no value at all. I took my tray and requested his permission to sit at his table. His demeanor made it very clear I had not done him any favors. I found in him no interest for pity. And even less interest in trivial conversation. Companionship was not a need he shared. The only common ground I could think to pursue was his need. There was a jacket in my closet that I dearly loved. Many pockets with sleeves that zipped off. So special that I rarely could find a good excuse to wear it. No wonder it was in such fine condition. I felt compelled to offer it in place of the rag he wore as a coat. We agreed to meet the following day at lunch. It seemed odd to have such eager anticipation for lunch with a homeless man I didn’t know. And tucking a twenty dollar bill in the smallest of many pockets made it seem like Christmas without wrapping paper. So I settled for a Taco Bell meal two days in a row and kept my appointment. I quickly assumed he would not come. It was uncomfortable to sit at the table on another cold, wet day with an extra coat. Without any conversation he slipped into the seat at my table, catching me by surprise. He had not acquired a fresh need for conversation or companionship. And the evidence of his homelessness seemed to increase. As quickly as I handed him the coat he fled. Out the door and across the street into the colorless damp day. About a year later I again had that occasional need for a ninety-nine cent meal. So I hit the Taco Bell drive-thru. The squawk box accepted my order. While waiting at the window I could see a tall man from the other side of the counter placing an order for a meal in the dining room. He was jumping up and down and waving at me. The huge smile on his clean shaven face looked vaguely familiar. I politely returned his greeting and was impressed by his handsome appearance. As I drove away it came flooding back to me…it was that homeless man I had shared twenty dollars and a jacket with. He had been shouting to me: “I got a job! I got a job!” January 31, 2003 If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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| © Copyright 2003 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
What, no hanky alert? And what did this cost you that you could not survive from day to day, but turn anothers life around? You are a good soul, Larry... Bless your ever-lovin'.... |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Karilea, I'm not claiming any credit...just telling what I know.  And thank you for your kindness. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
'I'm not claiming any credit...just telling what I know.' But there is no story, without the storyteller Larry. You told this one well. |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
I'm glad you told this one - touched the heart - thank you. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Duncan, This was personal experience for which I was only a participant(and storyteller  ). And thank you.SPIRIT, Thank you very much. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I love your story Larry. A little compassion can work wonders and here is proof. Joyce |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Joyce, That's how I like to think of it too. Thanks. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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cinnamongirl Member
since 2003-02-02
Posts 217 |
What a magical story... wow. A little love does go an amazingly long way. Thank you... for being so kind. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
cinnamongirl, Welcome to Passions! Hope you love this place as much as me. And thank you for your kind words. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed...I like Taco Bell Coffee...James |
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Wesley the Blue Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 426Forest Lake, MN, USA |
If only everyone had the same type of compasion that is eveident in this piece the world would be a much better place. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the read. "Get busy living, or get busy dying. Thats damn right!" ~Shawshank Redemption |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
JM, Well now...  ...I've never had it. And thanks for the read.Wesley, Kind words and thank you for your kindness. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Kellie_Cantrell Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667New York |
Larry, You are amazing!! (¨`·.·´¨) (¨`·.·´¨) |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
I thought i have already replied to this..anyway, what striked me the first time was this small print teaser underneath the title: A true story from 1991. The next year I was homeless but well groomed. that intrigued me as well as your tale...tell us what happened some day? |
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Allysa 
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
wow. thats all i can say about this one. Wow with a capital W. "Tourists are terrorists with cameras. Terrorists are tourists with guns."~Anon. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Now Kellie, Behave yourself. Thanks. kaile, Curious eh? It's written and will be posted. Allysa, I am thrilled you liked this. Thanks a bunch.  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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lorenlynn Member
since 2003-01-27
Posts 203California Beaches |
"IT is better to give than receive", One of my favorite quotes. You will find that in the bible. Your kindness went out to one who needed. Every soul needs a kind word , a gift. I wish in this crazy world there were more people like you but one act of kindness to a stranger changes their life and bravo you made a difference! Thank you  |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Wonderful Story, wonderfully told. It's nice to know there are still angels unaware in the world. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
lorenlynn, Thank you. It is indeed in the Bible. Your kindness is apppreciated. Kethry, Once again your enouragement is appreciated. This piece was submitted for the book, we'll see. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
Had to come back and read this one again. Still loving it... Got to add to library. Great write! |
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Allysa
since 1999-11-09
Posts 1952In an upside-down garden |
crap. Forgot, yet again, to add it to my library. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Alyssa, Thank you for you loyalty. By the way, I enjoyed your website... If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
Thanks for sending me to this one - how wonderful for him! and wonderful for you - Its such a priviledge to get to see it happen. and who knows - compassion gives people dignity and hope - who knows what your compassion meant to him |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Copperbell, It seemed to me that it might have mattered. And I'm sure the compassion you shared will matter too. Bless your tender heart and thank you. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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pictureme2 Member
since 2005-11-13
Posts 194 |
Hi Larry, Remember me? pictureme. I was out of pip for awhile but just got reconnected and enjoying. Anyways I enjoyed your story. I loved the line..."And tucking a twenty dollar bill in the smallest of many pockets made it seem like Christmas without wrapping paper." Excellent write! Thanks for sharing this. pictureme2 |
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pictureme2 Member
since 2005-11-13
Posts 194 |
Left me wanting to read the next chapter! pictureme2 |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Great story Larry, and wish there were more like it too. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
pictureme2, Of course I remember you. Silly. And thank you. I suck at making things up so there is no sequel to the facts. Sorry. It's nice to see you back.Sharon, Thank you dear but you do know I have no creativity when it comes to imagination. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Larry, I am glad this came back up tonight while I am reading, as I feel we are of the same cloth. My daughter Jackie is even more so. She over heard a young girl and her parents shopping in Wal-Mart just before school started a few years ago. Seems the girl had her heart set on a certain pair of jeans and her Dad said they were too expensive. This touched my daughter, so she apologized for overhearing the conversation and went on to explain she had a box of designer jeans someone had given her. She told them if they would follow her home she would gladly share with the daughter all that would fit her. They took her up on it and did follow her home. The young girl picked out about six pair and said she did to want to take more as maybe someone else could use them. We felt this girl, by saying that, proved to be just the right one to have been given the jeans. And so Jackie along with the family were made happy, all by a gift that was originally given to her. Thank you for the post, I enjoyed reading it. martyjo |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
martyjo, What an awesome story. Sounds like one worth writing and posting. Thank you for sharing that and it is true you know "birds of a feather flock together." Thank you so much for your kindness. |
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majnu
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088SF Bay Area |
excellent. i can't find the words right now, but please see the poem i pasted. i am not trying to 1-up you or anything, and if i had postd i would have just linked to it.. anyway, it will suffice as my response. Missing the Boat I missed the boat along with Lido; Having scored burritos during a riot, We headed North - towards Campus. They killed the "God bless you" man, Some bastard shot him - hopefully - Better than a man like that bleeding out. One of 'em is always rubbing his hands, Even during summer he does it - Could he be trying to store the heat for winter, Or does the humiliation still get to him? The latter would truly show character; He also says "god bless" to people - It has - but mostly when they give. It hurts me to see him, to walk by, I would not begrudge him his spot, It's just that my food doesn't Taste as good, or my bed feel As soft as it did before I missed the boat along with Lido; If that was the price - I am glad to have paid it. -majnu |
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EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
Larry Read and enjoyed. You are a good person. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
majnu, Please no apologies or disclaimers required. Thank you for reading my piece and for your kind words. But thanks so much for taking the extra time to share. I enjoyed your poem. EagleScorpion, You're the man. Thanks for that and for reading. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, |
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Clang Member
since 2005-12-15
Posts 222 |
Very well depicted Larry. I find it ironic that you happened to run into him again. Life is certainly like that. It gives us happy endings all the time, we need only pay attention. Thanks for sharing this. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Clang! Christmas, a perfect time to introduce that name. AND how thrilled I am to receive your first post. Welcome to Passions. Hope you love it here half as much as I have. Fun you found an seldom visited forum. Hope you write prose too. But regardless I'll watch for your writing. Thanks.If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Larry? You're so cool!!! I mean that in a warm way. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Martie, Thanks! So are you and I mean that in an Arizona warm kinda way. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
This is a nice story. It reaffirms my belief that people are by nature good. |
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