Encouragement

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Donut Boy
© 2010

by

Stephen A. Peterson

Floyd Van Stassen was born in Idabel, Oklahoma to a middle class family who endowed him with a Christian background and a work ethics this based upon the Christian principles of hard work and self-reliance. Although he was given strong foundations, Floyd decided early in his life that these principles were useless and old fashion. He wanted to experience the good life and have fun.

“Once I turn 18 I’m leavin’ this backward way of life,” he often said to himself and to others. “I’m goin’ to the big city to live my dream.” So when the time came, Floyd dropped out of school after many years of struggle. When he left school, he had just finished 9th grade. It was not that Floyd lacked the ability to perform well. Years earlier Floyd was tested and found to possess an Intelligence Quotient (I.Q.) around 205—very high, less than one percent of the population.

True to his word, as soon as school was over for the summer, Floyd packed his suitcase, said “bye” to his family and sought to make his way in the world. Boarding a bus, Floyd remained on the bus until he stopped in Kansas City, Missouri. “I’ve made it!” he shouted, “I’ll get me a job, bet lots of money, and get myself the best looking car I can find!”

Floyd’s enthusiasm was seriously tested when he began looking for a job. Everywhere he went, he learned that he had to have a high school education or higher to earn the kind of money he desired. One month went by without consideration. Two, four, eight months went by and still no job offers. Floyd became desperate as well as frustrated. To stay alive, Floyd had to resort to panhandling to feed himself, sleep in a YMCA for a bed and bath, and an area thrift store for used clothing. He felt he couldn’t go back home to Idabel, Oklahoma to face certain criticism from his family. Floyd almost decided to go home when he saw a $10 bill skipping along the street. Running after money, Floyd stepped on the bill then reach down to pick it up. Yes, it was indeed a real $10 bill! He rushed off to the nearest convenience store to purchase a big bean and beef burrito and a fountain drink to satisfy his hunger.

“How ‘bout a lottery ticket?” came a voice behind the counter.

“Eh, I don’t do lotteries,” responded Floyd. “Besides I got to save this change for my next meal.”

“Come on! What can you lose?”

“Well, okay. Give me two tickets,” Floyd said reluctantly.

“Now all I have is two dollars. I think I’m going to regret doing this,” Floyd moaned. He checked the next morning but was informed that he did not have the winning ticket. As he stepped out of the convenience store, his nose captured the smell of freshly made donuts. Walking in the direction of the aroma, Floyd found himself at the door of a corner shop where rows and rows of donuts were on display before his eyes. Hunger and the donuts compelled him to enter the store where he met an elderly man laying out the donuts fresh out of the fryer.

“How much is a donut?” inquired Floyd.

“60 cents each,” the baker responded.

“May I have two please?” Two Long Johns are what I want. Thank you.” Floyd said smiling. “I haven’t had donuts in nearly a year.

As the baker handed Floyd his donuts, he could see that he was very hungry. “How ‘bout some coffee to wash those Long Johns down with.”

“Sure! Gosh, I love donuts. These are just the way my mom made them when I was a kid.”

“You look like a kid now,” the baker responded.

“I’m 18.”

“You’re a kid,” the baker laughed.

“Gosh, these are so good!”

“Say kid, how’d you like to make donuts? Doin’ anything—are you?”

“No. I’m looking for a job.”

“Well, you look like a pretty good kid and I need help. So can you be here tomorrow at 3:00 AM in the morning?”

“3:00 AM!”

“Yeah, you have to get up early to make the dough, fillings and the glazes. It won’t make itself.” laughed the baker.

“Oh, I’ll be here! Thanks!”

“Say, what’s your name kid? My name is Tony. Tony Rossi.”

“My name is Floyd. Floyd Van Stassen. I came here from Idabel, Oklahoma. I quit school. School is a bore to me.”

“Oh, my! So how in the heck do you think you are going to make it in the world with no education?”

“Well, I can made donuts! I’ll be the best donut maker in the world! You’ll see! Just one more thing. I don’t have any place to stay.”

“So where have you been living if I may ask?”

“Anywhere I could. Once a park bench, the YMCA, in a box. I’ve made it panhandling finding money on the ground, going to soup kitchens.”

“All I have is a room above the store. I’m alone since my wife died two years ago. She was a great woman. My son was killed in Iraq and my daughter was killed by a drunk driver in a very nasty car accident 7 years ago. So I don’t have anyone.”

“My gosh! How do you do it? You lost your entire family. How do you make it? I’d be cussing God out big time!”

“No, I can’t do that! God has been very good to me despite the bad stuff. I’m sad and I ask God “Why” but I know that God is good and doesn’t do anything just to hurt us. I really believe my wife and children are in heaven waiting for me. No, I am really blessed. Maybe you will understand that someday.”

“So how does cussing God solve your problem?” returned Mr. Rossi, “God, has given me a great deal. I have my health. This business has given me my livelihood. I have great friends and neighbors who I am blessed to have. So what I am sayin’ to you, in spite of the loss of my family, I have realized that God has done wonderful things for me.”

“Well,” Floyd responded biting his lower lip, “God has done nothing for me. That’s all I can say.”

“I hope you change your mind. Maybe one of these days you will come to learn that God has blessed you with many blessings and things. Now let’s talk business. Do ya’ still want the job?

“Yeah!”

“I can only pay you $300.00 a week.”

“Yeah, okay. But as I said, I don’t have any place to stay.”

“Like I said, I can let you have a room upstairs and we can cook our meal up there. How ‘bout a $150.00 a month for the rent and $50.00 a week for food?”

“Well, I guess that’ll work.”

Floyd seemed to have been given a great chance. However, every so often he would complain about his circumstance. He still wanted more things but he just did not have enough money to get them.

“Floyd,” Mr. Rossi compassionately said, “You know maybe you might understand God better if you go with me to church. I go to a Catholic church here in Kansas City. The priest that I’d like to me name is Father Don Wolf. He is a great thinker, speaker and understanding priest.

“Oh-h-h-h,h,h,h,h, no! I’ve had it up to here with preachers, priests and holy men. Besides, the church goers I know are basically hypocrites! All of them I’ve ever met talk God but don’t do God’s work. Besides, I don’t need God. I don’t need anything or anybody.”

“Well, that’s too bad you think that way. I will pray for you though.”

“With all due respect, Mr. Rossi, I wouldn’t waste my time praying for me. I’ll never accept any notion that God exists.”

“Very well, Floyd. I will still pray for you nonetheless.:

In the one weeks Floyd made and sold donuts, Tony Rossi came to learn that he made great donuts and was a very good salesman of their product. Floyd was also very good with the children who visited. To satisfy children, Floyd would put special items on a child’s donut. On one occasion, a three year old little girl came to the shop crying. Everything the parent tried to do could not calm her child down. With a banana and whipped cream, Floyd turned a crying child to one wowed by her special donut. He so impressed the mother that she and several friends made regular and repeated visits. A teen one day complained that he did not get enough of a particular pastry. In nothing flat, Floyd conjured up a twelve inch, donut loaded with ground peanuts and chocolate that had the neighborhood buzzing.

On the job for thirty-three months, a short statured man walked into the donut shop. His presence brought an air most uncommon for an eating establishment.

“May I help you, sir?” Floyd asked beyond the smell.

“Yes, young man. I’m so hungry but I ain’t got no money. Your donuts smelled so good that I said to myself I gotta have one.”

“Sir, this a business. I hope you know that.”

“Yes, young man, I know that but I live on the streets. I don’t have a penny to my name. Can you spare me a donut and a spot of coffee to an old man who has lost everything and down on their luck? Please, sir I am so hungry!

Floyd looked at the unshaven, smelly, elderly look man. Then he recalled his own circumstance. He was on the streets, cold on many occasions, and hungry. On those days, he would have given anything to have a nice warm donut and hot cup of coffee. When he went into stores, shops or any eating establishments, he was cruelly and abruptly forced out. He, during these moments, longed for a sympathetic voice or a kind gesture.

“My boss isn’t here right now. I don’t think he’d understand me giving away the store while he was gone. Since he hired me on, he has come to trust me to make good decisions when he’s not here. I’ll tell you what. If you need to come here, you need to visit at this time and I’ll give you some coffee and donuts. My boss goes to church services every day at this time. He’s a Catholic. He prays to God. Can you believe that? He tells me that he thanks God for all that has and will receive. If there is a God, God’s responsible for killing his wife, daughter and son. Why would a man be so devoted to something that would allow or kill those you love? Mr. Rossi is a great guy but I think he’s a little off. I’d forget about God. Wouldn’t you?

“Well, young fellow, I don’t have a problem with God,’ replied the elderly man.

“What?” replied Floyd who appeared shocked. “How can you say that? God has made it so that you have nothing and have to beg for what you need. I’d curse God all day long if I was you.”

“Well, I learned a long time ago that God works in mysterious ways that are beyond human understanding. You’re right. I don’t have much but what I do have are gifts. I believe God sent me to you. The way it looks, I’ll at least have a good breakfast this morning. That’s a gift! That’s a blessing don’t you think?”

“I can’t believe it! You’re poor, homeless and you believe God has blessed you? Incredible!”

“Yes!” the elderly man responded with confidence.

“Huh,” Floyd responded smiling and shaking his head.

“You see young man I once had the same thinking you did but as time passed I’ve learned that I’ve been blessed! I have all kinds of friends who have helped me get along.”

“Say old man what’s your name? We’ve been here now for almost a half hour talking and I have not gotten your name. My name is Floyd Van Stassen. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“My name is Bob Bodin. But getting back to what I was saying, when I was your age, I had the same attitude you have about God. In time, I’ve come to realize that there really is God. You really can’t see or know everything that God does for you.”

“I just can’t see how you can say you’re blessed. I really can’t. But here’s your coffee and a donut. Enjoy!”

The elderly man held the cup with both hands, closed his eyes as he took a sip of the hot coffee. “Ah, that’s really good coffee!” Biting into the donut, he proclaimed: “Best donut I’ve ever eaten! Can I come back?”

“Sure! Just come back at about this time.” asked Floyd. “You see I haven’t told my boss that I am giving away his coffee and donuts for free. He’s really a great guy and I don’t wanna lose this job. I kinda like it. But at the right time I’ll tell him about you and what I have done.”

Daily Bob Bodin came to the donut to breakfast on an order of coffee and a donut. As he ate, Bob shared his Christian “Good News” with the skeptical young man. Time and time again Floyd questioned Bob about his Christian faith. In time, Floyd could see Bob’s happiness was real. Every question Floyd asked Bob, he dealt with it successfully.”

A year later, Bob brought to the table a beat up brown covered book—a Bible. He would read a verse or two then explained it to Floyd. Floyd began to see God in a different light. Floyd asked Bob, “Are you happy?”

“Yes!” Bob responded immediately.

“Are you happy, Floyd?” countered Bob.

“I don’t know. I guess,” Floyd responded with uncertainty.

“So why aren’t you certain about your happiness?”

Floyd could not respond to Bob’s question. He just smiled.

“When all of your earthly things and relationships are lost or gone, you can still believe in God. That’s because God is your highest priority. You trust in God. You open yourself up all that God has to offer whatever it is you need. Haven’t you ever noticed that things and people disappoint. Things are lost, stolen or break down. Your things are only as meaningful when they are used to glorify God. If not you care more about losing them. They become a monster. Relationships will disappoint when one puts them above God. My wife and friends left me when I lost my property. These losses hurt me deeply. I was about to give up and tried to take my life until I met this guy who lost everything. His whole family died in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland. Everything he ever had was taken by the state. He miraculously survived starvation and torture. His message and life completely changed me forever. Just before this man died, he gave me this saying:

The evil you do stays with you,
The good you do comes back to you.

Floyd, my boy, you make really good coffee. Have you ever considered just marketing coffee?”

“Well, no,” replied Floyd.

“Ought to consider marketing your coffee,” Bob responded boldly.

For three years, Bob came in for coffee and donuts. On a cold February day, Bob failed to show up at the coffee shop. “Maybe Bob had more important things to do,” thought Floyd out loud. Floyd became uneasy when Bob did not come for a week. Floyd hit the streets to find Bob. As Floyd asked around about Bob, no one seemed to know anything about this man. It was though Bob never existed. “Maybe Bob was an angel sent by God”. Like the ‘Touched By An Angel’ television show he had seen on many occasions. “Maybe Bob was God Himself. Bob did not act life a human person. He was really wise and smart—but God!”

When Tony returned from daily Mass, he questioned Floyd. “You look like you lost your best friend.”

“I may have. I need to tell you something Mr. Rossi. For three years I was giving a homeless man named Bob coffee and donuts when you were at church.”

“I know,” Tony responded. “I saw him in the shop a couple of time when I came back to the shop. Don’t worry about it! I didn’t lose anything. Besides, since you’ve been here, the kids, little old ladies and many young ladies seem to really like you and your service. So I’m gonna give you a little raise. How’s that?”

“I really don’t deserve it after what I did.”

“Eh, forget it! I also want to tell you something, too. I’ve watched you for these three years. You are an honest, thoughtful, loyal and a whole lot of other good characteristics. So I’ve done something that I didn’t tell you. I’m an old man, if you hadn’t notice. I don’t have any family. So I have decided to give you this shop when I too old to run it. It’s not much but it’s all I have. It has taken care of me all my life as well as my family before I lost my family. So it’s our now! I did the legal paperwork. You are a full partner according to this legal paper.”

“I can’t!” Floyd said nearly in tears. “I don’t deserve anything. I was not honest with you.”

“Yeah, yeah! None of us deserve much of anything. Here have a cup of coffee and a donut to celebrate this great event! Partner!!”

A month passed. Still Bob did not return to the donut shop. Floyd’s anxiety with regards to Bob turned to anger. “Why did Bob just disappear? He could have at least said good-bye?”

Late that morning a new visitor came into the shop, Father Don Wolf, the pastor of St. Catherine Catholic Church.

“Yes, may I help you, sir.”

“You most certainly can. I’d like a cup of coffee and a couple of your twist donuts.”

“Say aren’t you the priest over at that Catholic church that my boss, Tony Rossi, goes to?”

“Yes, I am. Tony is a great guy! He talks about you a great deal. Say, this is great coffee! It is really good!”

You know, Father, another guy once said the same thing. Well, he’s my ex-friend now. He just disappeared. But for three years, he talked about how great God is. The strangest thing was a homeless man who came to this shop for three years.”

“What was his name?”

“Bob. Bob Bodin.”

“I didn’t know him. Sounds like an interesting fellow. But like Bob I’m here to visit with you about God, too. Maybe Bob began the discussion. Perhaps, I’m here to close the deal with you and God. You’ve been to Mass. How about coming to St. Catherine’s and visiting with some of our young people?”

“Okay. I’ll come on Sunday.”

“Good. I’ll see you there. After Mass, maybe I’ll come by for some of your coffee.”

Floyd went to St. Catherine’s for five straight weeks. He made friends with a number of the parishioners. Soon the shop was full of daily members from St. Catherine’s as well members of the local churches and synagogues. Tony and Floyd’s donut shop experienced tremendous growth in only six months. To meet the demand, a new employee was hired—Monica Walsh. Like Floyd, Monica proved to be a great hire for the Tony-Floyd partnership.

On December 6th, a neatly dressed short statured man entered the donut shop. He ordered a cup of coffee and an apple fritter. After taking a couple of sips of the hot coffee, he commented: “This is a great cup of coffee! Who makes the coffee around here?”

“I do, sir! At least most of it. Sometimes Monica, our other employee, makes it.”

“It’s really great coffee. Have you considered marketing it?”

“Well, no! It’s a matter of money. We don’t have much but it is getting better.”

“Sir, are you Floyd Van Stassen?”

“Yes, I am. And how do you know my name? Have we ever met?”

“No, we haven’t. Do you have some place where we can talk?”

“Why?”

“I’d like to talk business with you, Mr. Van Stassen.”

“Well, I’m not the owner. Tony Rossi is but he’s gone to church right now. He goes to church every day at about this time. If you can wait, he’ll be here in about 40 minutes or so.”

“No, sir, I’m here to see you. Is there an office where we can visit?”

“What’s this all about?” Floyd inquired.

“I can tell you as soon as you take me to your office.”

“Monica can you handle the shop while I speak to this gentleman? Thank you.”

As soon as Floyd and the unknown man were in the office. He put the neat case on the nearby desk then said: “Mr. Van Stassen, my name is Alexander Dewey of the law firm of Alexander Dewey, Michael Cheatum and Edward Howe. I am here on behalf of the late Robert Bodin.”

“What!” stammered Floyd in utter disbelief and shock. “What did you say?”

“I’m here on behalf of the late Robert Bodin.”

“This cannot be. Bob was homeless and without anything.”

“No, sir,” stated Mr. Dewey, “”Mr. Bodin was one of the wealthiest men in the world. When he died in February of this year he had amassed a fortune of more than 68 billion dollars with businesses in 23 nations.”

“So how come he never revealed any of this to anyone?”

“I don’t actually know. But I can say this: Mr. Bodin was a very generous man, loved God and love people. Everything he gave was given anonymously He desired no fanfare. Mr. Van Stassen, I have a video that Mr. Bodin left just for you. Please, sir, watch this DVD.”

Once seated Mr. Dewey turned on the DVD for Floyd who saw a well-groom, well Bob Bodin.

“Good morning, Floyd, my boy! I know you are shocked to see me like this. You
remember me as a poor homeless person. Remember when I told you that God works
in mysterious ways? Earlier in my life I lost everything. Everyone I knew told me to
curse God and be done with Him. My children ALL died. My wife left me for another
man. I became so sick I nearly died. But through it all I remained faithful to God. When
I passed through mu illnesses, I roamed the streets for two years before I became a
janitor. I worked hard, invest that I could, and eventually became a monetarily wealthy
man by purchasing businesses. Even though I was wealthy, I spent my life helping
others and treating everyone as a friend and a reflection of God. I went back to the
to find people such as yourself—Godly men and women and those not so Godly. Of
all the people I had the opportunity to meet, you were the only person who gave me
something to eat and drink without asking for payment; did not reject me because I
smelled bad. You are a good person who needs God to complete your life. I suspect
God has come to you and you understand His goodness. I could see you moving in this
direction. God will bless you in many ways and you will experience true happiness.
Now my attorney will speak with you now. Listen to him. God bless you, Floyd!”

With Bob Bodin’s final words, the DVD went blank.

Floyd was reduced to tears. Tears because of the anger he directed towards Bob Bodin as well as his anger and rejection of God for very little reason. It became clear to Floyd that God had sent Bob to save him from certain condemnation.

“Mr. Van Stassen! Mr. Van Stassen!” said Mr. Dewey, “Mr. Van Stassen I am, once again, here on behalf of the estate of Robert Bodin to execute what he has written in his Will. I am, therefore, authorized to present you with this check in the amount of 6 billion dollars.”

Floyd slowly and nervously signed the affidavit. “I’m not worthy of anything, sir.”

“None of us is worthy of anything. Mr. Bodin, I believe has received the greatest gift—everlasting life. He told me before he died that you will eventually be a wise steward of your life and be bonded to the Almighty.” Closing his briefcase, Mr. Dewey stated, “My work here is completed.”

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