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The Saddest Cookie of All

I’ll never be too proud to admit that sometimes, I can be a dolt. The very first time (and only time ever, mind you) that I was involved in a “car accident” happened all because of an ice cream cone. True story. It seems that my preoccupation with food is an expansive monster. If ever you need to tell me something important, I wouldn’t recommend doing it over something yummy. When there’s food around, it (not you) is what has my undivided attention.

Late last night, my bestie and I were craving something sweet and ducked into the only spot we knew that would be serving French Pastries at 3 am.

Completely engrossed in my bright sugary medley of things, I didn’t notice the man stomping out into the atrium who’s sole job was to yell, apparently. I almost peed in my pants (sorry for TMI). At 3 am on a Wednesday, the bakery is pretty empty and quiet anyways and I was comfortably perched on my padded chair, with my plate, tucked in a corner alone, waiting for my friend to come back with Tea. “Get up, I’m calling the Cops!” he’s yelling. It then struck me that behind me, hunched over in booths, were clumps of Kids, here and there, obviously homeless. They sat, staring back at this man, clutching their tattered packs, hoods stretched over their heads, wearing not the look of insolence or aggression but fatigue, weariness. Quicker than you can say “overpriced cookie,” they were gone and I was left with a nibbled plate of cookies and sadness. 

Where will they sleep tonight?  tomorrow?  the day after?  Where is their Family?  Do they have Family?  Are they worried, are they looking for them?  What do they eat?  Are they well?  What happens when it thunderstorms like it did on Tuesday?

I always have a bag of non perishables that I carry around in my car to give to the homeless man at that busy intersection that no one seems to have time to pause at.  Too busy.  I volunteer.  Obviously, that’s not enough.  I didn’t receive a culinary degree.  I went to school for Psychology and Human Services.  Part of my graduation requirements were to maintain a year long service internship at the local Ministry.  Sure, there’s a pile of second hand clothing to wear and lots of canned food to eat.  I didn’t get a chance to talk to these Kids last night…was it drugs?  abuse?  I don’t know, but they’re falling through the cracks.  The Ministry I was at was like most.  They do the best they can but can’t keep up with the demand.  There’s a vicious cycle that’s being perpetuated and it’s the Kids that are suffering.  Angelina Jolie can’t adopt all of them.

I’ll keep doing what I can.  I hope you do too.

I think I’ll start making my sack lunches for the initiative I headed a long time ago.  I wonder why I ever stopped.  (I got too absorbed in me, I suppose).  It was called “Pack Away Hunger.”  50 sack lunches with an inspiring message, uptown, every Sunday.  Once, I discovered two teens hiding out in an abandoned building.  Life comes at you so hungrily that you forget I forgot, that it’s not just about Squishy’s or Monster’s.  I’ll be sure to update y’all about Sundays, “Pack Away Hunger.”

I just hope that they know that they are loved.

Be grateful for all that you have.  Your Mother was right.  There are people out there with nothing.

Blessed and hoping to share my blessings,

Your Squishy Monster

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20 thoughts on “The Saddest Cookie of All

  • Magsx2 says:

    Hi,
    It is amazing how many of these children fall through the cracks of life, and I also wonder where their family’s are, and how they got to be in this terrible situation, it is so very sad.

  • Joanne Choi says:

    Wow those macarons look good! And what kind of bakery is open til 3am?!! The ones I know close at like 6

    And your tuna recipe below looks so good!

    161cm.com

    joanne♥choi

  • Sissi says:

    A very sad cookie story indeed…
    I envy you however a pastry shop open till 3 am. Here everything closes at 7, no Sunday shops and Saturday I cannot get anything after 5 pm (the only shops with long opening hours are some “emergency” grocery shops, but they are really expensive).

  • sooae says:

    omg, i used to live right next door to an amaze french bakery in la. Your photos are making me crave macaroons BIG time now!!!! ahhhh!! have a wonderful weekend girl! xx
    http://www.thehautecookie.com

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It really is :/

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    There’s a 24 hr patisserie in town. Thank you, lovely!

  • Lester says:

    Yes .It is very sad.Those that are hosing people away9 Even in Chicago I am told by those I know still living there)How ironic they may be on the receiving end some day.What people feel in their heart they manifest through their actions Angie.Thank God there are people with good thoughts( hearts, spirits) that manifest good and positive things.

  • LESTER says:

    I grew up my family and I on Chicago’s west side We eventually moved to a better neighborhood .We have lived in a working class( becoming more white collar, but a little more realistic due to our current times also.)Living in those neighborhoods.Attending schools for people with a disability.I have seen people that live on various sides of life and not always nice.We were blessed with wonderful parents( Both with the Lord now)We have a year round pads shelter and programs at several churches in My village,the church down the street also. and surrounding towns.Many people are a pay check away from homelessness now.Thank you for sharing this story Angie.God bless you!It is wonderful what you are doing .

    xoxoxo.

    Les.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It made me really sad to see. Whenever I drive under a bridge, I always notice the people sleeping under it. I hate that the state goes and hoses them away like barbarians

  • Always Maylee says:

    Your story makes me so sad, but you are so amazing for always wanting to lend a helping hand and being so caring!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

  • CJ at Food Stories says:

    What a poignant and necessary post. I know exactly what you mean about self-absorption and we are all guilty of it. Thx for bringing this to the forefront of my mind.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks for sharing the concern, CJ. I’m always more than happy to share what’s on my mind. It makes me happier still, when you see that others echo the concern for those less fortunate.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks for swingin’ by, Yi-chia!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I’m glad to hear it, Les!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I feel like our City is expanding which has both its ups and downs but happy to see people still fighting for local establishments. I feel like things just taste better there =D

  • Charles says:

    I find the Red Cross does a fantastic job – in France we have a lot of homeless it seems, especially of course where I am, in Paris – I see them out almost every night, taking food to people and checking up on them!

  • LESTER says:

    In these times especially now Angie,We will see and experience heart breaking situations, etc.Hopefully the joyous and blessed experiences will be more..Stay safe at 3 am,Not a night person but more, rough wicked things are on street at night( I have police friends and relatives , also see the increased danger of our times Angie.

    Love, respect.

    Lester.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I’m terribly nocturnal :/ I promise to be careful =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I’m so glad to hear this, Charles. It makes my heart happy=D

  • Lester says:

    That’s great to hear you are careful Angie.

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