Three Cans of Soup

by Don Childers

  “Bill, I want to thank you and Sharon. Are these your kids?” Vince wiped his hands on his apron.

  Looking at his two children with pride, Bill said, “Kids, this is Vince Lawrence, president of the bank here in town.” Bill then added, “Vince is one of the faithful volunteers down here.”

  “Thanks, I have always had this place in my heart,” Vince replied. “Your father and mother have really brought a new spirit to this place.”

  Robby smiled and replied, “I can see why, it is sort of infectious. Most people don’t even see or know what is going on right under their noses.”

  Vince again welcomed them and then pulled Bill to the side. “Bill, I know we don’t know each other very well but I would like to meet with you to talk something over with you. Do you have some time this next week?”

  “I don’t know, what is this about?” Bill replied, and for some reason he felt some of the old anxiety rising to the surface.

  “I know you work and Sharon works, but if you could I would like you two to join me sometime this week or next, whenever it is convenient. I will take you to O’Malley’s for lunch, my treat.”

  Sharon by now was at Bill’s side. Again Bill asked what it was about, but Vince just smiled and said he would rather wait until they had lunch. “Oh, by the way, I have also invited Sal and Maria to join us.”

  “Well, this week the kids are here, how about the week after the New Year?” Bill asked. “Sharon doesn’t start back to class for another week, so how about Tuesday?”

  “Fine with me. Just come to the bank and I will take you all to lunch.”

  Bill looked at Sharon and wondered what this was about. She just shrugged her shoulders and said, “Maybe it is just a thank you!”

  With that they went to work cleaning up. It was late in the evening when the volunteers and Sal, Maria, Bill, Sharon, Robby, and Lisa all sat down to their Christmas Dinner. As they toasted and prayed and sang, other volunteers had arrived to get ready for the evening meal. They ate turkey, dressing, potatoes, green beans, salad, and tortillas, enchiladas and refried beans, which was an odd combination to say the least. It reminded Bill of the stories his Dad had told of Thanksgiving Dinner with their Italian relatives. “First they would bring out the Italian food and then after that they would bring out the American food. We would eat until we burst,” Milt would say.

  Throughout the evening Bill could not lose the thought, “I wonder what Vince wants to talk to us about?”

  -45-

  It was cold but clear on the Tuesday that Bill and Sharon were to meet Vince. O’Malley’s was a popular restaurant. Its menu consisted of fresh salads, pastas, and wonderful sandwiches. As Bill and Sharon drove over to the restaurant, parked and walked up toward the door, they were still perplexed by this meeting. They had been invited to too many things that seemed innocent, only to discover there was an agenda. Bill hoped that it was not to break bad news. He had heard that a group of investors wanted to tear down the Mission and several other buildings to make room for restaurants, parking garages, and shops. The investors believed they could transform what they considered an eyesore into a profit-making venture. Bill wondered if Vince was involved and wanted to break the news. Central had taught Bill that sometimes things do not work out as one wanted.

  Vince was waiting for them at the door. He again introduced himself to Sharon and escorted them to a table that he had previously reserved. The table was set back in a corner so that they could have a quieter conversation.

  “I hope you like Italian,” Vince said. He was dressed in a black-striped suit, white shirt and red-patterned tie. It was obvious he had come to the restaurant directly from his bank. Vince added, “They have a lot of things here, but their pasta dishes are great.”

  “Love it all,” Bill and Sharon said simultaneously.

  They sat down and quickly a server took their drink order. Vince told the server that they were expecting two other guests. For a few minutes Vince asked Sharon about her teaching and Bill about his work at the bookstore. It was not long before Sal and Maria were making their way back to the table.

  Vince rose and gave Sal a hug and then gave a hug to Maria.

  “So good to see you two!”

  Sal and Maria seemed overly joyful. The Christmas season always caused people to be more generous. The Mission was a reminder that everything was not going well in the world. The recent layoffs from Maysville’s plants only added to the general misery of many. Christmas seemed to be one time of the year when people became conscious of the suffering of others and at the same time generous in their support of programs like the mission.

  “We have not ordered yet,” Vince said sitting down again. He beckoned for Sal and Maria to do the same. When the server returned, Vince asked her to bring them a bottle of wine and some breadsticks.

  Vince began the conversation. “It looks like we did pretty well this season.” Turning to Sal he said, “I think I faxed over to you the present financial status and it sure looks good!”

  Sal, sipping on his water, smiled and said that this was one of the best years that the mission had had. Sal had started it both with a vision and passion for helping those who seemed to have nowhere to go. In the beginning he and Maria had rented two rooms several blocks from the present location of the mission. Sal, who had skills in carpentry, had built most of the kitchen himself. They scrounged some tables and chairs and opened a soup kitchen. At the time Sal and Maria were working full time and would come to the kitchen in the evenings, prepare and serve a meal, and hopefully give some hope to those without hope.

  Their efforts came to the attention of some influential people who approached Sal about expanding his outreach. The donors bought an old department store and along with volunteers transformed the old building into the present day mission. For a time it was just Sal and Maria’s ministry. Fearing that some might raise questions and being concerned about being ethical Sal had approached several interested persons in forming an independent board and becoming a non-profit organization. It took two years to complete all the paperwork, but the Second Street Mission was born as a non-profit outreach.

  Although Sal, Maria, and many volunteers were motivated by a deep Christian faith others who worked at the mission represented other faith traditions such as Judaism, Islam, Hindu, and Buddhist. There were several volunteers who claimed no religion but only a passion to love their fellow human beings. Sal wanted the Mission to be independent of him. His dream was that the Mission would go on long after him.

  The server returned with wine and breadsticks and took their orders. Talk turned to families, what they did on vacation, how their Christmas celebrations had been and so forth. Lunch arrived and attention shifted to enjoying the wide variety of dishes that each one had ordered.

  Bill was nervous and did not say much during the meal. He still wondered if the purpose of the lunch was to break the bad news to Sal. As if on cue, when the main meal was finished and desert orders had been taken, Vince took a deep breath and turned to Sal.

  “Sal, I just want to say that when you talked to me a couple of months ago I was really saddened by what you said. I also was mystified with how hopeful you were that God would somehow work things out. Then when I saw these two working at the Mission I knew that I never should have doubted what you said.”

  A smile and nod in the direction of Bill and Sharon accompanied the “these two”. Vince paused again and looked at Sal, who took a sip of wine and interjected.

  “What Vince is trying to say is that I met with him some time back and told him that I would be retiring at the end of this year.”

  Bill and Sharon said a simultaneous, “No.”

  “Yes, Maria and I have dedicated our lives to the mission. We have watched it bloom and grow and we have seen thousands of persons helped. But I have some health problems and so does my lovely Maria.” Sal patted Maria’s hand, who then took over the conversation.

  “Sal and I both prayed and prayed that
God would send someone our way to take over the mission. Then, Bill, one day you showed up. You were bruised like so many that come to the mission. But we watched a wonderful transformation. You told us about the gift that Mary had given you, the three cans of soup. Well that gift is now you. You have brought so much joy and you have a real gift. We both see it.”

  Vince looked at Bill and his voice took on a more business mode. “Bill, I am aware of the troubles that you had with the Church. I am also aware that you have not been very happy since you left the church. As far as I am concerned, and this goes for other members of the Board, that is all ancient history. What we are getting at is that we would like you to succeed Sal as Director of the Mission. We can pay you a modest salary. In fact, we will include a housing allowance, pension, and health care. We have been doing that for Sal and Maria for some time. Now, we don’t expect you to live at the mission but if you choose to that is okay with us. If you choose to take the housing option, we have some plans to expand the mission by remodeling the upper floor into some apartments where families could live while they get back on their feet. Anyway, that is all more detail than you want, forgive the banker in me.”

  Bill sat stunned. He had not seen this coming at all.

  “Bill,” Sharon finally said, giving him a nudge under the table. “Say something.”

  “Well I don’t know what to say! Sal, are you really retiring?”

  Sal smiled and looked at Maria. “Yes. We hoped that God would send us someone and we believe you are that someone, Bill.” Sal paused and then continued, “Maria has been in charge of the kitchen and she has trained a wonderful replacement for herself. Sophia will be hired to run the kitchen. Our granddaughter will also help at least for a while. Larry, you met him, will handle maintenance. Bill you will be the director and manager. It is a big job, but I know you can do it.”

  The desserts arrived and as they began eating them, Sharon interjected something that had been bothering her. “I do have a question. This may sound silly. But, well, this has been something Sal and Maria have been doing together.”

  Vince immediately sensed the real question. “Sharon, we really appreciate your help at the mission. We do not expect you to step in as a couple. Besides, as you will find out, the salary is not all that great and you two deserve much more. No, we don’t have any expectations of you. This is not like a church. I have been on my church council several times and I know the pressure on a pastor’s spouse and all the ‘two for one’ pressures. We hope you will be supportive but we are really just seeking to hire Bill.”

  Sharon looked relieved and said, “Thanks, I appreciate that.” Then added, “Sorry for being so paranoid, but in some ways I have enjoyed this time. There have not been any Church functions that I have been expected to attend and no extra duties, or anything. I have just enjoyed my work at the college.” Then Sharon added again, “Not that I am complaining. I did not hate being a pastor’s wife. There were a lot of rewards. . .”

  Bill patted Sharon’s hand and finally spoke up. “It was no picnic for Sharon after I left the church either. She has been by my side all these years, put up with me and especially in this last year, put up with me not at my best. In fact, I am still healing. I am curious, though. I have not been involved very long at the Mission. Why me?”

  Vince turned to Sal and said, “Over the years I have learned never to question the wisdom from this man. Some of the things he has told me have seemed impossible, like expanding the mission to include the homeless. Then it just happens. I have learned to trust the instincts of this man.”

  Sal spoke up. “Bill, I know that this is going to sound strange. But I hope you as a man of faith understand that sometimes things happen for a purpose. When you walked in to the Mission that first time I knew my prayers had been answered. You are the one God has sent. I pray you will accept the offer.”

  Bill looked at Sharon and she could see that there was excitement. She was so thankful that this new spirit was taking hold of Bill. Sharon looked at Bill and said, “Bill, I think this is what we have been looking for, but it is your decision.”

  So here it was, Bill thought. After so much wondering, so much anger, here it was. Should he think about it? No, that was the practical Bill returning, the one who measured his responses, wondering what others thought. No, things were going to be different. He had destroyed that wreath without thinking and contrary to what so many said Bill saw the act as one of the few courageous things he had ever done. No, this was not the time for caution.

  “I accept.” Bill said.

  Sal and Maria looked at each other, smiled and said, “God bless you, Bill. This is where you belong.”

  Vince added, “I am glad that you said that. Next week we can meet to work out details. Sal will stay on for several months to help train you. Maria will be working with Sophia to teach her to run the kitchen. Let’s have another bottle of wine and celebrate!”

  And with that Bill Thompson found himself where he always knew he should be. He was in the trenches, where the forgotten lived, living out the love of God in reality. It was the best Christmas ever.

  Bill and Sharon took a long walk later that day. They walked and talked, as they had not done for too long. They expressed their love for each other. They again apologized. They again hugged. They also thought about getting something special for their dog Jerry. It was he, after all who had found and opened the package with the three soup labels. They both began to laugh about the antics of their clumsy but lovable dog.

  “Angels come in strange ways,” Sharon said. “Perhaps Jerry has always been watching over us both.”

  They made their way back home.

  -46-

  During the next year Bill’s life changed. He lost even more weight. His almost daily jog coupled with regular workouts toned him and made him look younger. His doctor was thrilled that the “new” Bill reduced his cholesterol, lowered his blood pressure and got off of most of his medication. Bill loved going to the mission, to work. Sharon loved the “new” Bill; actually the old Bill reborn.

  Sal and Maria retired by summer. Reverend Bill had moved into leadership with the same spirit of Sal and Maria. Bill always greeted the guests and residents with a smile. He never put down a person because of their situation or lifestyle. And he insisted that the same level of respect be shown by everyone toward everyone. Sophia had taken over the kitchen duties, expanding the menu by introducing more healthy food purchased at a generous discount from the new organic market that had opened in Maysville. For Sophia what you ate was as important as what you did.

  Larry had also blossomed over the year. He re-grew his beard and tied his long hair into a ponytail. His construction skills were transforming the Mission. Work had begun on the third floor apartment transforming the area into smaller apartments that homeless families could stay in while they were putting their lives back together.

  Lisa was doing well in college. Robby seemed to be visiting more often. His father’s new vocation was especially interesting to Robby. He had disliked the Church, but at the mission the principles of love seemed to be blossoming.

  Bill had managed to expand the visits of local physicians, dentists, and counselors to the mission. The United Way and several other local organizations had actually increased their support, especially medical services. Bill’s newest innovation had been to add financial counselors and employment counselors to help people rise from the depths of despair to hope.

  Some in the business community were enthusiastic in their support while others were not. Because of the downturn economically, there was an increase in people seeking help at the mission. Community resources were always stressed but now the strain was causing real problems.

  During that first summer, Bill hit upon an idea that seemed to attract the attention of many within the larger community. During an interview about the mission with the local newspaper, Bill had told the story of “The Three Cans of Soup”. The paper asked him to do an expanded v
ersion of the story. Other papers picked up the story. This led to several interviews on local radio and television. In the fall, Bill published the story in a national magazine as part of a major piece called “Poverty in America”. This led to an increase in awareness and giving to the mission. Bill was able to incorporate the story of the “Three Cans of Soup” into a brochure and plaque that graced the entrance of the Mission. The phrase “Where One Gift Leads to Another” was added to the sign above the Mission.

  So it was that as another Christmas approached, Bill and his family were counting blessings. Bill had even been asked by his denomination to talk about the subject of homelessness and poverty.

  Yet, something was bothering Bill. Many civic leaders were hesitant in their support, as though someone was behind the scenes, pushing against the mission. Bill decided that he needed to talk to Sal.

  -47-

  Sal and Maria had retired and moved to a community near Kansas City. Over the last few months Sal’s health had deteriorated. Sal had discovered that he had prostate cancer and the prognosis was not good. It was a beautiful fall day when Bill drove to Kansas City.

  Arriving at their modest home, Bill parked in the driveway. He slowly got out and made his way to the door. “I have not been very good at keeping in contact,” he thought to himself as he got to the door and rang the bell. Before he could think another such thought the door burst open and a smiling Maria hugged him.

  “He is not doing too well, although he won’t admit it,” Maria said quietly as she took Bill’s coat and motioned for him to be seated.

  “How are the treatments going?”

  “They are hard on him but we hope they will help. We may be looking at hospice soon,” Maria said through tears.