Cup of Tee by Tee Hurd

© While frequenting a particular gas station, I had met a young couple who were both working at the gas station (convenience stop). They were living with his grandmother since getting a house was nearly out of the question. Even rentals weren't to be found.

A lot of tension seemed to be coming from all ends. Meal times weren't at a specific time due to everyone's schedules. I asked the young lady if she could cook. She told me she couldn't. I told her she needed to add some water to their relationship and schedules.

She looked at me and said, "Add WATER?? What are you talking about?" I said, "Big business adds water to make profits bigger, which makes them happier." I added, "For instance, have you ever noticed on a can of ham that it says water added?"

I continued my explanation, "You need to learn to cook, in fact, both of you do. Water is a life support in so many ways. Reduce some stress by adding some water. Cook some home cooked meals that you can sit and eat together. The shift work makes undo stress. If we can not eat together, leftovers or homemade cooking in a lunch box goes a long ways. The cooking starts with the heart."

"One of the easiest ways to do the learnto-cook thing is to make some soups. One of the main ingredients is... water. Once soup is served, drink water instead of soda."

"Hot springs can be physical relaxation. Sitting by running water such as a river or creek can bring spiritual and internal relaxation."

After talking to the gal months ago, I went to the store and bought a "Bear Creek" dry soup mix and gave her the soup mix. I told her the brand was good tasting and was a start in the process of cooking from scratch. I also told her that adding a little water was a good way to start many procedures that will become habits.

A few days ago I stopped in at the gas station when the young couple were working (I had been working out of their area and had not been in for a while). When I walked in the gal said, "Tee, where have you been? We haven't seen you in a long time." My answer was, "Working above Emmett, Idaho."

She was excited and asked, "Can you guess what's been happening since we saw you last?" I said, "Did you win the lottery?" "No, but close," she said. Her partner had gotten a job at another place and, "We are getting our own house and we close in ten days. And guess what else? We are having that soup you gave us earlier as our very first meal and I'm going to prepare it."

I was happy for the both of them. I didn't know adding water could make that much of a difference. Wait until they add water to their lawn and garden.

This is my "Cup of Tee" with a little more water.

GoFundMe for Mark & Sunny Tate

Friends of Mark & Sunny Tate have started a gofundme page to help them save their home. Put simply, this loving elderly couple living in a very rural community needs help. They have been generous and good, hard working, always hoping, and always giving thanks to God through all of their trials. Please show this sweet couple that their struggle is seen, whether through sharing or giving what you're able.

Sunny has fought breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and in her last bout of cancer, had one kidney removed. The doctors have just found cancer on her remaining kidney as well as in her pancreas. She falls often and has broken many bones in recent years. Her husband Mark, also living with a disability after being crushed between a pickup and steamroller in 2021, stopped working to care for her. As they continue to fight cancer, hospital and other bills have piled up, and they are facing the repossession of their home of 30 years this coming July 2023.

"I'd like to tell you a story before I place this in God's hands. Last year a member of Mark and Sunny's community passed away, and the family was going to be left unable to bury their loved one. The cemetery board in Fairfield, Idaho, didn't have the roads mapped out and completed, and as such, the funeral service could not be held. Mark, having access to a steamroller, pulled together with others of the town and got that road finished in 4 days so the funeral could be held. Please help if you're able. The world needs more people like this."

Wendy Kamps https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-sunny-and-marks-home-as-sunny-fights-cancer

For more information, call: Wendy Kamps 616-414-2621 (Friend who started gofundme page for Sunny and Mark Tate. Sunny saved Wendy's life during an allergic reaction many years ago) wendykamps29@gmail.com or... Savanah Frostenson 616-610-7173 (Daughter of Wendy Kamps who helped start gofundme page) chelise.frost@gmail.com