This is why I weep/
And my eyes overflow with tears./
No one is near to comfort me,/
No one to restore my spirit./
My children are destitute/
Because the enemy has prevailed./
—-Lamentations 1:16
The anonymous author of the Old Testament Book of Lamentations whose laments over death and loss following the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC speak to me in 2020 AD as I, like many others, grieve and struggle in the throes of the Coronavirus pandemic and the systemic national issue of racism.
However heartbroken and angry I am about ongoing racial injustice, people’s inhumane treatment of fellow human beings, and troubled by the widespread chaos and uncertainty while the world writhes in the grip of a deadly virus, I have hope that our spirits will be restored.
Though vexed by newsfeeds that show the horrors of police brutality, chart sky-rocketing numbers of the sick and dying, and provide platforms for self-promoting leaders who don’t give a damn about the wake of death and destruction their ineptness creates, I’ll not concede that the enemy has prevailed.
I pose the question: “Where are you, God?”
“Where are you, Roger?” comes the reply.
“I am here,” I whisper, “help.”
Perplexed by my own “doom-scrolling” I vow to resist its seductive hold on me, and search for good news, a feel-good story in the midst of pandemonium.
Not long ago, “help” and buoyed hope arrived in the mail from California, a note from my friend Gary with a copy of the Pasadena Weekly in which an African American business owner was interviewed. Perry Bennett and his wife, Melanie, moved in 2004 from San Francisco to Southern California where they opened Perry’s Joint Café on Lincoln Avenue in Altadena. The café is a favorite place for Gary and his wife, Helen, to eat, a fixture in the redeveloped neighborhood to the north of John Muir High School, and a place where I joined them for lunch on a recent trip to California. More on this in a moment, but first my brief history with Lincoln Avenue.
In 1970, when I lived in Pasadena to attend the Fuller Theological Seminary Graduate School of Psychology, my wife and I house-sat a home at the northernmost section of Lincoln Avenue. For the two months we lived there I rode my motorcycle on city streets going to and from class, Lincoln Avenue being the most traveled among them. Several years later, and for three successive summers, I had a job driving a Coca-Cola delivery truck. Grocery stores, mom and pop markets, and liquor stores up and down Lincoln Avenue were on my route. When Perry and Melanie opened their café in 2004, I had an established psychotherapy practice in nearby La Cañada and also coached John Muir High School’s varsity baseball team—a small world in which six degrees of separation isn’t just a theory.
Perry serves great sandwiches, some of which are named after jazz artists, Chicken Mingus, The Tuna Simone and the Max Roast. Others are light-hearted take-offs on well-known jazz songs: Tuna by Starlight, Pastrami, no-chaser, and The Egg from Ipanema. They, among a variety of hotdog selections from cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit, get rave reviews from neighbors and those who travel miles to enjoy the delicious fare.
Here’s the feel-good piece of Perry’s story. A decade ago, Perry committed to making a difference in his community, so he started a college scholarship fund to assist deserving John Muir High School grads. Proceeds from a one-day fund-raiser, a single day’s gross receipts, would be given to a selected student. Perry says it best: “…I knew this community needed something like this [the café and scholarship fund],” and to those who are beneficiaries of the scholarship he states, “This isn’t for free. When you get in a position to do so, I need you to come back and find a kid to support.”
My treks along Lincoln Avenue in years past took me through blocks of destitution and run-down neighborhoods. Perry saw this when he arrived, and this was his response: “There wasn’t a lot of light…I needed people to have a different experience in coming to a black business. Also, I wanted young black people to see—I needed them to see—something different on a couple of different levels. Community first.”
Oh yes, the world is a mess and my laments are unceasing, and too often the combination of both prevents me from taking in the “good news.” I cannot wait for guidelines to change, the pandemic to be arrested and locked-up, justice to rain upon us, but until then Perry’s story, among others, gives me hope that small steps by big-hearted courageous people will make the necessary difference.
The prophet Isaiah (65:17-18) preceded Perry by thousands of years when he spoke for The Great Mystery and declared: “I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind…for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.”
One step, no matter the size, makes a big difference. Thank you, Perry and Melanie, for getting the prophet’s message by your “boots on the ground” efforts—and lest I forget, thank you too, Great Mystery!
by 
My heart lifted when I saw that glorious picture of food posted at the top of your story and then I was sent to moon to find out that Perry and Melanie’s eatery is in my backyard! This was a definite feel good story. Loved reading about your CocaCola delivery truck route along Lincoln. That’s a story all into itself. I worked for the Lincoln Water Company in Altadena for a year, temp to hire. Just as I received their sweatshirt with JoAnne embroidered above the heart, I got a 5 night a week booking at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Niguel that lasted four years. They were both great gigs but my heart did the choosing. Fast forward to today in the midst of this madness and I am playing three nights a week, restaurant parking lot gigs at 70 years old. Water, music and chutzpah, the three essentials in life. And of course CocaCola! L’chaim!
Jo Anne,
Lincoln Water Company traded for the Montage Hotel sounds like a great trade! The two gigs I had, truck driver and student, were great too, but with all due respect to those who drive-truck, I’m glad psychotherapy became my lasting gig. Thanks for reading and sharing this story.
Roger
Great story. Food is a wonderful way to meet needs and bring people together. Stories are amazing. Perhaps we can do things to create good news stories. Thanks for stimulating the idea.
Alan,
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Small steps over food can make for huge strides when nurtured–Perry has been doing that.
Roger
Another great article!. For me, it illustrates what good people can do to meet the needs of others. This is how we can fight evil and overcome it. My wife and I will have to check out this eatery on Lincoln as it is only about an hour from where we live. I look forward to your next post.
Cy,
I’ve often wondered what would happen if our newsfeeds concentrated on humankind’s goodness rather than the opposite. There are wonderful stories, large and small that demonstrate that goodness, and if those tales were “trumpeted” [no pun intended, gosh] how much evil might be curtailed. Thanks for your comments.
Roger
Doc
That was great an so needed at this time. He is only doing take out right now but is doing a great business. And your right it is a great example of what people can do if they are more interested in other people and not just them selves
Gary,
Can’t wait to get back for another “delish” sandwich at Perry’s with you two! There is much to be said for selflessness. These stories don’t get the coverage they deserve, and as you mention they are excellent illustrations of “what people can do.” Thanks for reading and commenting. Oh by the way, is that a drop of Perry’s horseradish on your lip?
Roger
Thank you for the lovely story! It raised my spirits. And the photo of sandwiches- I look forward to the day I feel safe to treat myself! I received a card today that gave me a good chuckle:
Officer: Reverend, have you been drinking?
Reverend (in auto): Just water, officer.
Officer: Then why do I smell WINE?
Reverend: Good LORD! HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
Dona,
Thank you for reading and offering this wonderful exchange between the officer and reverend–a comic tale that I’m sure has roots in a true event. Hopefully that day of venturing out again will occur soon–when meals and community can resume.
Roger
Thanks for helping remind us to keep open our eyes, minds, and hearts, to be able to see and embrace the small hopeful acts of individuals, to do good in our world. I love Perry”s ask of scholarship recipients to pay it forward by coming back to find a kid to support when they are able. While it’s true that we have so many ills and wrongs to deal with in the here and now, we do also have such glimmers of light and love to lift our hearts and remain hopeful. Old stories and memories can bring new life and perspectives for the never ending journey with the great mystery! Right on and write on, mon ami.
Colette,
There are so many ways each of us can “pay it forward” if we pay attention. I’m myopic, often too self-absorbed to see and hear the opportunities that quietly present themselves to me. You have reminded me to pay greater attention–thank you. For reading and commenting, thank you as well.
Roger
i believe the small individual acts of creative kindness, such as the story of Perry represents, make the world of love go ’round. Of course they are not small acts for the person who receives the scholarship. They are life-changing, especially if the one receiving the scholarship keeps the flow of kindness going until it becomes a tidal wave. This is the only earthly hope we hold onto, and the exponential growth of goodness bears witness to the efficacy of this hope. God knits all our actions which reflect God’s love for the world. Whether these individual acts of kindness overcome the abundant evil of our world is an invitation to faith on our part and grace on God’s part. I for one hold onto that faith, either because I have seen faith at work or because I am naive, or a little of both. But I know that mustard seed of faith sustains my joy, and that is how I choose to go through life. So God bless Perry and may his tribe increase! And let the “Great Mystery” of God’s work continue.
Bill,
Here’s to that tribe of too often unsung heroes, though small in number, may they increase. I agree with you that they are among the change agents in society, often the humble messengers that bring God’s love into our world through acts of kindness and communal embrace. Thanks for your work and tribe that is among those who leave this footprint. And, thank you for reading and commenting.
Roger
I agree with you so much that the despair our country is going through will pass and hope this virus and political discord will be nothing more than a brief part of our American history. On a brighter note, your recent visit and luscious photo of Perry’s Joint Cafe food and his scholarship fund gives me hope for a much brighter and harmonious future. Once the masks are off and the healing begins I will make a beeline to Altadena to say hello and sample some of Perry’s jazzy menu. Not so sure about the Tuna Simone, or the Egg from Ipanema, but I’ll “Take Five” minutes and set my chops on Perry’s sandwiches and dive in. Thanks for the recommendation, sounds delightful. Bette
Bette,
Thanks for reading and writing a comment. We’re better than we’ve shown. We get off the rails at times but the vast majority of us want equality and equity for all, strong leadership to bring that about, and a concern for the wellbeing of our neighbors whether during a pandemic or facing our silence regarding systemic injustice. Perry’s commitment is inspiring and an effort that will change my level of involvement as I imagine it will others who taste his delicious sandwiches/hot dogs, and hear his story.
Roger
Dear Roger, As always I’m on the late train to read my emails. When I opened your story I’m thinking, “Is he talking about our Perry’s Joint” We love this place. During this pandemic I have stood in line for quite a while waiting for our lunch to take home. I’m happy to say they have been very busy each time I’ve gone, which is fairly often.
They are for sure the nicest folks. He had four or five workers last time I was there with a long line waiting. We are on a campaign to support local businesses and his is one of our favorites.
Next time you are in Altadena, I will treat you to lunch.
I think of you often and wish you were not so far away. Also, I bet I wash my hands more often
than you 🙂 As you may imagine, Dan finds staying home pretty dull. We are surviving through it all. Loved your story. Stay well. Carmen
Carmen,
There are time zones and “time zones,” and whatever yours may be at any real or imagined time thank you for reading and commenting. Dan’s a thoroughbred, and they rarely enjoy pasturing when the temptation to be out and about or running free is in mind. I envy your proximity to Perry’s, but will gladly accept your offer. Stay well, all of you.
Roger