George (not his real name) has been an on again off again guest at Toni’s Kitchen for a number of years.  We first met him after he became homeless and was living in his car. He told us he was estranged from his family.  In the dining room he kept mostly to himself, but would share stories with a couple of volunteers who he became friendly with.  He would talk about his efforts to stay healthy to care for his heart condition.  He was trying to eat well- replacing junk foods and soda with fruit and juice.  At the end of a meal he would often ask for ice and water to take with him on his daily walks around the track at Brookdale Park.

Sometimes we would not see George for months at a time.  Then when we did, we would catch up.  Sometimes he may have been away because his fortunes had improved and he had secured housing with a place to fix his own meals. Or, his absence may have been caused by an illness or operation such as his heart surgery.

Recently George was back, not looking at all well.  His face was pale and gaunt and he appeared to have lost 20 or 30 pounds.  In a soft raspy voice he told us he was going through both chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  How sad, reconnecting on this basis.  We couldn’t do much besides offering a warm sustaining meal, and a supply of nutritional supplement drinks to take home.  But, we were able to show George that we cared and offer him our friendship and support.

It wasn’t a pleasant homecoming, but it touched us deeply.  Sometimes just being there when a guest needs a warm and accepting space is the most we can do.

Food brings us together, caring makes a difference.