About Us › Our History › Story 2
What do angles eat for dinner?
In December 2000 we made our way back to MI for the holidays. I remember it was bitter cold that night; my fiancé Janelle, my mom, my grandma and I went to eat at El Sombrero, a little taco stand on the west side. I grew up on that side of town, it's the blue-collar section of Grand Rapids and has a large homeless population.
We had all just sat down to eat and catch up on life when a homeless man came into the restaurant. He asked the woman behind the counter if he could just sit in the corner booth and warm up. Instantly the conversation at our table turned to outrage.
My grandma started tisking and talking kind of loud, "Why would they allow someone like that to just come in and sit down?" "But grandma he's cold" I said. "That's just bad business, I'm disgusted!" Grandma replied. I assured her I would take care of the situation.
I stood up, walked over to the counter and asked the woman if it would be ok to give the man the food I had left. She said it would be fine. I walked over to him and asked if he would like a few tacos. His eyes lit up and my grandma's jaw dropped. I handed him the plate of food, and went back and sat down. I was not prepared for what happened next.
"What did you do that for?" Grandma asked. "Well now he's not loitering, now he's like everyone else here. Just a man enjoying some food." Just then I noticed he had gotten up and was standing a few feet away from our table. We all became very uncomfortable. He was obviously drunk, judging by the smell coming off him. I made eye contact and the man held out a closed fist.
I wasn't sure what he was doing so I stood up and walked over to him. I held out my hand, he placed something in it, and then he hugged me. I wasn't sure exactly what he handed me until I got back to the table, when I opened my hand I discovered it was a DOG BISCUIT. It was dirty and had a bite taken off the corner. I was overcome with sadness, anger and gratitude. I could hardly hold my composure; we had just exchanged dinners. Every one at the table was speechless.
I went on to explain to my grandma, how if all that man's life was about, was to be there to share that experience with me, than I didn't think a greater man has walked the earth. She looked at me and said, "You just changed my opinion." I think we were all changed that night.
Active Backgrounds has become the physical manifestation of the truth and love I am finding within myself. Most of the people I share this with say they are experiencing the same kind of "Awakening" taking place within themselves.
Imagine the impact millions of people will have on the world by setting their ego aside and consciously choosing to focus their energy and loving thoughts in the direction of those around them. The effect will be palpable! That is what we are creating here.
Active Backgrounds T-shirts can help move the world in the direction of peace. You will be instantly filled with Joy, Wonder and Excitement, EVERY TIME YOU PUT ONE ON!