Walking down Randolph after work on my way to hit up the State Street shops, I noticed Ted standing underneath the Wabash Street El stop. At first I wondered why he was standing; most people I come across in this situation tend to be sitting down. After all, they usually have long days and it's tough to be on your feet for that amount of time. But as I got close, I noticed he was hunched over and supported by a cane. I was very curious to hear Ted's story.
After introducing myself, I apologized that I didn't have any change for the styrofoam cup he was extending, but told him I did have some brownies for him. I was delighted by his reaction. "I LOVE brownies!" he exclaimed with a bright smile. I knew then that I had picked the right new friend for the day. I asked Ted what his story was. He told me he has a crooked back and is waiting for Supplemental Security to come in so that he can afford surgery. As someone with severe scoliosis who needed surgery as well, I completely sympathize with him. It also makes me feel very lucky and blessed that I had the means to correct my scoliosis at the age of 13. Severe back issues certainly progress with age, and it's unfortunate that Ted's progressed to the point where he was no longer able to do his job performing maintenance and subsequently lost both his income and a means to provide for himself.
On the bright side, unlike the other friends I've met so far through the Give and Bake Project, Ted has a supportive family here in Chicago. He may be out of his own home temporarily, but he stays with his brother three nights a week and his sister the other four. He rotates because he is worried about becoming a burden to either of them. During the daytime, he tries to collect change so he can support himself in some small way while he waits to fully get back on his own feet again.
Ted is planning for his Supplemental Security Income to kick in within the next month, and after that he will begin to search for a qualified doctor to fix his back. I asked him if he plans to go back to maintenance work after he is healed. I was so impressed to hear that Ted has even bigger goals. "I'm going to start my own business! I'm really good at plumbing, painting, fixing things- I'm a great handyman!" A warm smile came across his face as he shared with me the inspiration for his plan. "I learned from my dad. He owned six buildings and taught me how to do everything I know."
Although I didn't ask him his age, Ted looks to be in his mid to late 50s. It's so incredibly inspiring that despite his age, he still has big plans and goals for himself. I think there is a great deal to be learned from my new friend: no matter your age or hardships you may be faced with, never stop chasing your dreams.
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Brownies
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 1/4 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup butter (melted)
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
In a medium sized bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, 1/4 cup sugar, milk, and 1 egg until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, 2 cups of sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. (This batter comes out quite thick, but don't worry, you're doing it right.)
Technically, these brownies are supposed to be marbled, but I fudged this step up. If you want to make your brownies all marbley and pretty, here's what you do. Grease a 9x13 pan. Set aside one cup of the cocoa mixture (this is the step I skipped), and spread the rest of the cocoa mixture into the pan. Pour the peanut butter mixture next, and then the remaining chocolate mixture. Take a butter knife and drag it through the batter, back and forth each way across the pan until a marbled affect takes place.
Bake the brownies on 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (will depend on your oven). I have to say, I've always been a huge advocate of boxed brownies and never saw a need to make brownies from scratch. But surprisingly, as much as I love my friends Pillsbury and Duncan Hines, I think these are even better!
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