Is it True?

Hardly a week goes by when I don’t think about this guy. I think he’s that special. He’s also the reason I introduced the ‘Back Paddock’ a few years ago, to share stories like his.

I first learnt about Tom during a visit to the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant in Ashfield three years ago. It was the week leading up to Easter when Reverend Bill Crews invited listeners of his radio program to visit and witness the great work they do.

In particular, he wanted us to meet a group of young people who were completing the 12 Steps Program, namely AA and NA (Narcotics Anonymous). It’s a program rooted in goodness and steeped with amazing results.

I met some incredible people that night but there was one very special fellow who couldn’t be there. His name was Tom.

Tom is homeless and visits the Loaves and Fishes restaurant every day for a meal. He’s in his early seventies and like most homeless people, he has at least three chronic health conditions – gum disease, heart disease and diabetes.

But despite his poor health and the endless discomfort, Tom continues on. Most of all, he fills he days collecting aluminium cans for cash. And given he is homeless and in quite a lot of pain, what do you think he does with the money?

Have a guess…

You ready?

He saves it and sends it to Cambodia to help school children less fortunate than he. Can you believe it!

I sometimes think about the eulogy Reverend Bill will have ready for his funeral. “…champion bloke, spent his life on the bones of, but had a heart the size of a watermelon…”

What a way to go out.

Three Years Later
I spoke to Reverend Bill on Sunday to see how Tom is and he said he’s in good shape although he’s slowed down a little.

But there was another reason I wanted to speak to the Reverend.

Last week, I heard the tail end of a story that was enough to suck the oxygen out of the room, however I didn’t quite believe what I heard, so I rang Rev Bill for confirmation.

And to be honest, I’m still in a state of disbelief. Here’s why.

A few weeks ago, two homeless men walked into the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant for the first time. They were absolutely starving and in desperate need of a feed. Upon being served their meals, they sat down at a table but only one man began eating. The other one just sat there.

Reverend Bill was shocked and concerned but had the presence of mind just to give him a moment. Nearly ten minutes passed and just as Rev Bill was about to step in, he couldn’t believe what happened next.

As soon as the first fellow finished his meal he took his dentures out and gave them to the other fellow so he could eat his meal.

I nearly fell out of the car when I first heard that. You’re probably feeling the same way right now.

Is it True?
So, you’re probably wondering why I would share stories like these in a post like this?

If you think it’s about me reminding you how lucky we are at Easter (or any other time), it’s not that. Although I’m big believer in counting blessings, as hard as it is sometimes.

Instead, these two stories go straight to the heart of what causes so many of our own aches and pains – assumptions.

It’s so easy to assume the worst or wrong thing about a situation and draw the wrong conclusion. And in spectacular form!

For example, you probably assumed Tom was collecting the cans for himself instead of some school children in Cambodia. Don’t worry, I did too.

And how about the guy sitting staring at his meal? I’ll bet you assumed everything else but the truth of the matter. Don’t worry, I did as well.

It’s never a nice thing to hear but sometimes we judge others by our own standards. I’m not saying that’s always the case, but sometimes it most definitely is.

Too often assumptions lead to the wrong conclusions and create unnecessary pain.

If you find yourself in this position, have a close look at what assumptions are being made and then challenge each one with, ‘Is it true’?

Have a great Easter!

Adam

p.s. The Loaves and Fishes serves a 1,000 meals a day to the poor and needy, most of whom are homeless. It is also run by volunteers and receives very little Government funding. Rev Bill said he would appreciate any Easter egg donations to hand out to the homeless. He also said that very shortly they will be in desperate need of blankets so if you have any….

Farm house – if you liked the Chocolate Pistachio Fudge for Valentines day, you’ll love this Rocky Road recipe (source taste.com). It’s my Easter gift.

Its super easy to make and I can promise you it’s been well and truly road tested. In fact, if I ever find the person whose recipe it really is, I’m going to nominate them for Australian of the Year. It’s that yummy!

Rocky Road
• 200g good-quality milk chocolate
• 75g good-quality dark chocolate
• 25g unsalted butter
• 75g mixed pink & white marshmallows, cut with scissors into small pieces
• 50g shortbread biscuits, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 100g macadamia nuts
• 25g raisins / sultanas

Method
Step 1 – Get a tin foil tray approx. 10 x 20 cm and at least 3 cm deep. You can use a loaf tin but make sure you line it with baking paper.

Step 2 – Place the milk and dark chocolates with the butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water), then stir until melted. Stir marshmallows into chocolate with remaining ingredients.

Step 3 – Spread into tray, chill in fridge for 2 hours or until hard.

Note – if you don’t want the shortbread biscuits, just give them to me and you can replace them with 50 gm of your favourite lollies – snakes, jelly babies or more marshmallows. And if you don’t want the extra lollies you can give those to me as well. ?

And don’t underestimate the raisins, they give the recipe a nice little twist.