| |
Ben was excited to tell Troy about his new job working as a hand alongside Noah, as they sat and ate breakfast together. Noah had just gotten back from his honeymoon and would break Ben in with a full day of work in the barns. Troy wanted to be excited for him, showing optimism, but all the while struggling with his own internal conflicts. After all that Ben had done to ensure he found a safe spot to heal after his ordeal, he would never want to be anything but gracious toward him. Unfortunately, he was restless himself and needing something to do. He was fully healed physically now, and mentally, Belle’s therapy had done the trick. Well, on his way back to normalcy, he was eternally grateful to Living River Ranch for their intervention in one of the darkest chapters of his life.
The challenge in his mind was going home, which no longer was a scenario that appealed to him. He loved Little Bend and Living River Ranch. It was such a sacred place to be, and you could feel the energy that vibrated through the land here. It was amazing to watch all the people come together to form a community, family, and serve in a unified purpose. He wished to be part of this but didn’t even know where to start with seeking a position of any kind. He wandered down to the sheep pen where he saw Matthew Katzen. The dude was a kind soul, one of those sincere humans that gave the best hugs and friendly advice to boot. The Down Syndrome diagnosis that many felt was a detriment made Matthew the most straightforward and truth-speaking man, Troy had ever met. He loved spending time with him, as he had such a profound soul and way of seeing the world.
“Morning, Troy,” Matthew said as he bent, checking on several sheep in the pen. His trusted companion Babe stood at attention by his legs, staring Troy down.
“Morning, Matthew. What are you up to this chilly morning?”
“I miss my sister,” he said lightly.
“I thought Margaret was back home now,” Troy asked gently.
“They got back from the honeymoon. Problem is she and Noah spend all their time together,” he said, with an exaggerated pout.
“That is tough,” Troy said, trying to think of a suitable option for Matthew to connect with other adults. It seemed like maybe there should be something here on the ranch for clients that need community services. Whether they were old, or even special like Matthew without full-time work at their disposal.
“I wonder if you have friends in town you might visit,” he said lightly, trying to see what Matthew would volunteer.
“I like to go to the Friendship Center,” he stated, with a bright smile. “That is in Centerville, though, and it is far away when all the grown-ups are working.”
“Hmmm, well, you know what? I’m a grown-up, and I bet I might be able to borrow a vehicle and take you if you would like to go tomorrow.”
“Could we go Wednesday?” Matthew asked with a huge smile. “They have games we can play on Wednesday.”
“Wednesday it is,” he said, as he turned to walk away.
“Thank you, Troy,” Matthew said, grinning from ear to ear.
“You’re welcome, buddy,” he said, turning to go check in with Jake. He knew that he was the social worker for Living River Ranch and would know where he might be headed on Wednesday. He figured he could borrow a car from Ben for the day.
“Morning, Troy,” Belle said, looking up from the table where she and Jake appeared to be eating breakfast.
“I’m sorry,” he said, glancing down at his watch to find out the time. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Jake headed in early before breakfast today,” Belle said, with a tiny waggling of her finger at her new husband. “So, I am making him eat something, but you aren’t interrupting.”
“I was just talking with Matthew about taking him over to Centerville to the Friendship Center on Wednesday. He appears to be feeling a little sad and indicated he would love to visit friends there.”
“That is so nice of you,” Jake said, pulling a chair up and indicating Troy should sit. “I can give you directions. It is an adult day care facility for people like Matthew or others who need supervision during the day.”
“Cool, I would love to check it out. I enjoy hanging with Matthew, and I am longing to find something to do around these parts. If either of you hear of a job I might be a fit for, I would love for you to keep me in mind.”
He watched a look pass between Jake and Belle.
“Any particular reason or maybe a person you wish to stay here for?” Belle asked with a cheeky grin.
“The thought of going back to the grind of the city isn’t as appealing as it once was to me. And I do admit there is a certain woman that has captured my attention. I will have to find work very soon, or I will start to go stir crazy,” he finished, resolutely.
“I was at a church meeting the other night, and we were thinking of starting up a community and church resale shop. Someplace that might have a clothes closet for people in need that cannot afford them. Items could be picked up for free by consumers with certain income levels, while others could donate and help run the endeavor,” Belle stated. “With so much farming, many of our community’s seasonal workers don’t have the highest income levels. Your name came up as Amy Baize indicated you ran a soup kitchen and clothing recycling center for the homeless in the city. We would love some input from you, and maybe some leadership,” she finished.
“I would love to help anywhere I can,” he interjected happily.
“Great, we are moving this to the next step with a county meeting this coming Thursday if you want to tag along. I’m not sure about the money aspect,” she said, biting her lip.
“Not my biggest concern,” he stated, though he would not volunteer that his bank account was probably large enough to buy Living River Ranch. His parents had done well for themselves, taking care of a trust that had spanned generations. Their premature deaths had propelled him to focus less on making money and more toward helping others.
“Great, if you can give me your cell and email, I will add you to the distribution list for the event.”
“Sounds great. I’m glad I stopped in this morning,” he said, standing. “Though I think I will leave you in peace with your food now.” He wrote his email and phone number on a pad on the desk directly behind the tiny round table where they were sitting.
“Hey, I will send you the information for the Friendship Center, Arie who runs it will let you in just by dropping my name,” Jake stated.
“Thanks, guys,” Troy finished escaping back outside. His footsteps much lighter, now that he felt he had a direction. He was a man blessed to follow Christ’s callings, not needing a certain income level. This seemed like a community that could use his particular gifts, and for that, his healing heart was very grateful.
