Ben is committed to giving treats to kids. It began as an altruistic gesture toward my students when he would burst into the sewing room and plunk candy in their laps. No explanation, just what had to be done. 

 

Sourcing was a problem. There are not always yummy things in the house, so he got creative. He would pocket a few cookies from the snack array at church, and redistribute them to children too short to reach. 

 

A few weeks back he planned ahead, since we had recently been to Trader Joe's, and made baggies of deliciousness. He tried to hide this from me, but I found it charming. As we walked in to the social hall, I asked to take his picture. He discreetly held them behind him, but I invited him to let them show. He was relieved. Deception weighs heavily on his spirit. 

 

He gave the bag with gluten free cookies to his friend who has dietary restrictions. He held on to the other two baggies throughout the service, and I noticed him craning his neck. When we walked to the car, he was disappointed. 

 

"They didn't come." 

 

"Who, Benjamin?"

 

"Your sewing students." I smiled. This was easily solved. 

 

"I know where they live. Shall we drive over there?" 

 

This was reminiscent of his weekly jaunt delivering Meals on Wheels. Perhaps we could call him the Cookie Not Monster. 

 

He walked boldly to the front door and knocked. Handing over the baggies made his day complete. 

 

The next Sunday, he replenished his pockets, and we headed out. His gluten free friend was there, and he gladly gifted her some. But the familiar kids were again absent. As the service was ending, he needed to use the bathroom and walked by two boys who were themselves getting restless. He handed them the bags, maybe with an explanation, but maybe not. Their endurance for grown ups discussing the intricacies of spiritual life surged. 

 

When he headed to the snack table he was shocked to see it empty. This was unthinkable. I explained that refreshments only happen when people sign up to provide them. 

 

"Shall we take a turn?" He nodded, and wrote his elaborate signature on the volunteer sheet. 

 

We will be going to Trader Joe's on Saturday. He can put anything he wants into the cart.