“Feeding people graciously and lovingly is one of life’s simplest pleasures, a most basic way of making life better for someone, at least for awhile.” – Anna Thomas
It is like an episode of chopped. I arrive each Wednesday at 6 o’clock in the evenings to a box of food from the San Francisco Food Bank. From this box myself and one other Larkin Street volunteer create a meal to feed the homeless youth of our city. I leave feeling amazing. I’m not going to lie, sometimes I don’t want to go. Maybe it’s been a long day at work, maybe I’m just human and want to flop on my couch. But no matter how I enter, I always leave feeling incandescently happy. Why you ask?
We make a lot of sandwiches. And sometimes it makes me so sad to serve an unmelted grilled cheese because the only cheese the food bank had was fat free. Cooks out there know, that shit doesn’t melt. But I have never in my life experienced such gratitude. So gracious and fun these youth have experienced things more horrifying than we could ever imagine. I hear some heartbreaking stories, I laugh at others and we come together around food. I’ve noticed some kids are standoffish at first, often times can’t believe people volunteer for free, but nothing gets them talking like asking what their favorite foods are. It reassured what I’ve always believed, that no matter who you are or where you’re from, food brings people together. Whether it’s talking about one young man’s “Tia” who made insane tamales or another girl’s dream birthday cake. Food is unifying. I will be eternally grateful to this group of people who reinforce all the beliefs I hold near and dear to my heart: nurture potential, leave work at work, prioritize family, live to eat, appreciate your friends, laugh, loyally defend and always express gratitude.
Each year I say how thankful I am for my family, but this year it’s never been more true. I’m so thankful to be part of a family that’s always been able to provide enough to eat and one that accepts everyone just as they are. I’m thankful that I’ve never been scared to return home or been a victim of prejudice and abuse. Moreover I am just so appreciative to these youth who’ve shown me what resilience looks like, that communities are loyal and that being kind is looking every person in the eye. Getting to know these youth has been the most rewarding part of my year and for that I’m so thankful this Thanksgiving.
Images from http://www.larkinstreetyouth.org
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