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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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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!” |
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| © Copyright 2003 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved | |||
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
yippe i cast the first vote! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Whoo Hoooo, I cast the second vote, but wish I had been first  What an excellent story Larry, and I love those happy endings. |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
Well worth the read ... and most certainly worthy of the book  |
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Tammy Blessing Member
since 2002-08-26
Posts 366PA |
Oh Larry, this is just a wonderful story!! I only hope that it makes it into the book and compels more people to make small offerings to those less fortunate. Thanks for sharing this. Tammy |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I certainly agree...  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Yes! I knew when I read this in Prose that this was a  Woohoo! |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
You are a raconteur supreme! Your talent knows no limits! I am sure that this will rack up the votes required to have this gem between the covers of Reflections!  Love & Light, Linda |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
WOW what a splendid write.....off course you got my vote for this beauty Charisma |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
Wonderful write Larry ~ Enjoyed from first to last. Bonnie |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I love it and vote for it to be included. Joyce |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Larry, this one made me tear up, in a good way. Great story! Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Love this Larry...gets my vote! ~Somewhere in my heart I'm always |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggssssssss) Oh Larry, this is wonderful, dearest friend, and it is all because of you that you have brought this special person hope and encouragement, you should be so proud of yourself and give yourself a big hug! (smiles) Yay, this MUST be in the book as this "reflects" the compassionate giving heart you have, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Larry, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
We need prose in the book... we need your compassion and insight in our daily thoughts. "and when we get to the pearly gates ... |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
a little kindness goes a long way... and sometimes even further!! You are so full of compassion Larry~ This was a wonderful telling!!! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
kaile, Thanks pal. It is much appreciated! Sharon, I don't have near the exposure to homeless that you do but was amazed at such an outcome. And bless you for the vote. Rex, Thank you kind sir. Much appreciated. Tammy, Thank you for your kindness. Nan, I'm grateful for your support. Thanks. Karilea, Awww, you are always so kind to me. Thanks.  Linda, "raconteur supreme". I wonder if Ron will use that as one of the titles acquired with the posting count? Thanks. Charisma, Thank you, thank you. Bonnie, Such kind words. Thanks. Joyce, Thank you very much. Nan, Your encouragement is much appreciated. Nancy Lee, Thanks dear friend. Noah, No pride in it. I am, however, surprised and humbled that such a simple act may have done so much. And thank you always for your support. JM, You're the best. You are so good to me. Thanks. Bluesiegirl, I love being able to count on you... If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. [This message has been edited by Larry C (04-04-2003 12:13 AM).] |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
a healthy bump never hurts anyone |
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lorenlynn Member
since 2003-01-27
Posts 203California Beaches |
My vote is in - hooray!!!!!! |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
Absolutely super! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
kaile, So true and so kind. Thanks. lorenlynn, Thank you so much!  SPIRIT, Wow, 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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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Larry - a most heart warming write, I do like this. My vote... BC |
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waldopepper Member
since 2003-03-18
Posts 157Tennessee, USA |
I have to agree with everyone Larry. This story is completely appropriate for publication, for it's about the things that bring out the best in all of us. Thanks for sharing these wonderful words. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
This is so well-written I didn't want for it to end. *S* And then, what a smile the ending gave! *S* What a wonderful way of reminding us that one person, one act... can make a difference. *S* |
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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
ON casting my vote (i think this incredible piece of writing should be in our next book) Larry, This one made me tear up... I know I am joining a long line of choked up readers too. I like what you have done here. And it dragged up memories of when I was in nearly the same position, hanging around the downtown mission for a meal, scrounging butts cleaning out ashtrays,to make a rollie (cigarette) It was a long time ago but you never forget where you've been, and shouldn't.... But for the grace of God go I. This world needs more of those random selfless acts of kindness. Love, Light and Peace, Sherry Cherish the good memories of the past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow. But above all... be kind to yourself today. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bill, My apologies for a slow response. And thank you for your kind response. waldopepper, Such generous words. Thank you so much. suthern, Wow, I'm glad you enjoyed this so much. It was an amazing experience.  Sherry, Close to what I was dealing with a year after this event. Thank you for your candor and your grace. 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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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
i see this one hasn't attained immunity against the "healthy bump virus" |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
This is an absolute treasure Larry....Wonderful story from such a wonderful man!!!! Bridgette "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown |
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Irie Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493Washington State |
One never knows when crossing the path of another, where or what it will lead to. Fantastic Larry, thank you so much for sharing! ~Sheri |
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skyshine
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058Beneath the northern stars |
Way cool. It brought a to my face.  ~Liz Waited on a line of greens and blues, just to be the next to be with you.. |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
WOW, i must say this was one of the best reads I've read in such a very long time! also a very interesting title! take care amy p.s you got my vote! "love is like a butterfly-- |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
kaile, I'm so glad that virus is contagious! Thank you. Bridgette, Such incredibly kind words. Thank you so very much. Irie, Thank you. Amazing isn't it! We never know... Liz, Perfect. All I could ever ask for. Thanks. Amy, Well now you are so very generous. 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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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Bump.... "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Fantastic, Larry! Wonderful piece of writing! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bridgette, You're the best...thanks. Denise, Thank you so 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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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Now this was such a wonderful story. I wish you would do more of them Larry. Enjoyed!  [This message has been edited by Mysteria (04-11-2003 12:54 AM).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
How did I miss this one? Am I nuts?? (don't answer) Vote's in, Larry! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Sharon, Trouble is...my life hasn't been that interesting and I don't do fiction! But thanks I'll scour my memory.'deer, Gracie never denied George a good line! And thank you sir 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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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Just a friendly bump..... "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bridgette, And your kindness means 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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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Bump..... "Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown |
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QjQ Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756U.S.A. |
sometimes just a litl push gets things rolling, very touching write |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bridgette, Thank you for your kindness. QjQ, Much appreciated... 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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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
This one made me smile and have hope for us all. You, Sir, are one of few but wonderful people. You could hurt me with your bare hands. You could hurt me using the sharp edge of what you say. JEWEL |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Temptress, Thank you for your very 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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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
BUMP!!!  needs another go round.Sherry |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
very touching |
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pjtalty Member
since 2002-07-17
Posts 111W.A., Australia |
What a blessing that you decided to share this experience with the world! The inspirational theme is quite obvious, but the bonus is that it is also a joy to read because of the writing skill displayed in its presentation. A *MUST* for the anthology! Here comes one more vote to boost it along! Patrick Talty |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Sherry, Thank you for such kindness. passing shadows, Much appreciated. Patrick, Such generous words! And 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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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
this one should be in the book...too bad I'm not the one picking, huh? Obviously, no one is picking...or this would be a sure hit! |
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Lynda Member
since 2003-04-26
Posts 52Vic, Australia |
I really enjoyed this Larry - thank you for the insight. Lynda |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Dixie, Thank you for your loyalty. But I do have three pieces in the book. This is one of my favorite, but afterall it is being handled very well! Lynda, Thank you so much and hey, welcome to Passions. I hope you like it here as much as I do. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. [This message has been edited by Larry C (04-28-2003 08:15 PM).] |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Dixie, Thanks for the bump. Seems I lost a few posts on the thread. But it is always nice to see an interest in my writing. 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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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
Larry, Everytime I read this it touches my heart and inspires me. Thankyou for sharing this with us. Now if it could just make the book!!!! Love ya!!! Sherry Cherish the good memories of the past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow. But above all... be kind to yourself today. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Sherry, Well, it won't be in the book. But you have humbled me much with your multiple posts on this piece. 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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Karilea - If I whisper, will you listen?...
