Alphabet Soup

( Intermediate Level )

There are those moments where something, whether it be a particular song or a smell or even something you see, triggers a memory. This is exactly what happened to Charlotte.

She sat down for a quick bowl of soup before she returned to her work online. As she opened the can she realized it was alphabet soup. She remembers how she loved eating this soup when she was young. She smiled and popped into the microwave.

In today’s world, many companies have adopted the hybrid way and the employees can choose which days to work from home and those to work at the actual office. Mondays and Fridays are the days she chose to stay home. This gave her what she felt was an extended weekend each week of the month.

The microwave beeped, as the soup finished heating and she sat down lost in her memories of her childhood.

Both of Charlotte’s parents worked so she spent her days at her grandmother’s until she was old enough to go to school. Grandpa was gone now and her mother thought it would be wonderful for both of them to have each other’s company.

“Charlotte, it’s lunchtime. Come and have a bowl of soup with me. Do you want crackers with your soup?” her grandmother asked as she poured Charlotte a glass of milk.

“If you put crackers in my soup then the letters get lost. How can I spell words with you?”

I guess you are right. Let’s see how many words we can spell before we finish our soup. If I remember, I have the most words!” Her grandmother responded, egging her granddaughter to do her best.

Her grandmother discovered she could buy dried alphabet noodles and pre – cooked them then add them to anything. She remembered that, one time, grandma added these letters to the gravy that was poured over the mashed potatoes.

“Oh, Grandma! You are the best!”

This was how it was for years. It wasn’t until Charlotte was older that she realized that this was her grandmother’s clever idea to get her granddaughter to eat all her meals.

As time passed, Grandma had more difficulty in everything. Her movements slowed and her ability to think of words decreased. Charlotte remembers she was about ten or twelve when she noticed this.

She mentioned it to her dad one evening while they were having their dinner, and he responded,” She is sixty- four now. This happens when we get older. Just try to help her as much as you can.”

The following Monday, Charlotte remembers going to grandma’s after school until her parents came to pick her up. Grandma had already had their snack ready.

She prepared their traditional alphabet soup and a half of a cheese sandwich. Her father’s words resonated in the back of her mind, “Help her as much as you can.” She sat down and started the conversation.

Grandma, I have a big spelling test coming up this week at school. Can you help me study for this? Maybe we can find the letters in our soup!”

“Of course ,I can. What are your words?”

She remembers going to her backpack and pulling out her spelling workbook. She sat back down and started thumbing through to chapter six. “Here they are grandma,” as she slid the workbook across the table to her.

“Ok, Here is your first word, attractive.

“A – t – t – r – a – c- t – i – v – e” Charlotte moved aside vegetables, with her spoon until she found all the letters she needed.

“Very good. Here is another, admire.”

Again, Charlotte found all the letters within her soup. A – d – m – i – r – e. Her grandmother smiled at her.

“What does admire mean?”

I am not quite sure but I know I admire you grandma!”

“Well thank you. Now eat up a little before your soup gets cold.” Charlotte ate, leaving her letters on one side of her bowl.

“Grandma?”

What dear?”

I am worried about you.”

What on earth for?”

Sometimes you forget things and sometimes I notice you have trouble walking.”

“Oh, my dear Charlotte. This happens to all of us when growing older. It is a reminder to us, who are older, to enjoy each day and not to be in a rush.”

“Will this happen to me too?”

“Maybe. It is normal. No need to worry about your old grandmother. I have you to keep me active and keep my mind sharp.” Her grandmother gave her a huge smile and a wink.

They continued eating and going through each of Charlotte’s spelling words. Her grandmother squashed all concerns that Charlotte had about her through her explanation.

Charlotte heard her cell phone ring, which startled her. She realized her whole lunch break was about over. She was so deep in her childhood memories and the alphabet soup.

“Hello.” as she answered her cell. “Hi Char, It’s mom. We are planning on going to Grandma’s house for the holiday. Do you think you can get away from work to come with us? She would love to see you.”

Charlotte’s parents relocated to another city a few years ago due to a promotion her father received within his company. Once Charlotte graduated from college, she too moved to the same city as her parents and secured her current job.

Sure, I have some time owed to me. I just need to make sure it is ok with my boss.”

“Great, we will be leaving on Friday night after your dad gets home. See if you can book a flight on the same plane as us.” They exchanged information on the flight and hung up with each other.

It was time for Charlotte to return to her work. She logged back into her computer and quickly sent her boss a message asking if she could take a few days off. He agreed to let her have off on Friday and the following Monday.

“Great! Thank you. My parents and I will go to my grandmother’s. I haven’t seen her in maybe eight or nine years. Once I went away to college I became too busy in my life.” she said in her message back to him.

She quickly made her reservation for the flight and then texted her mom that everything was a go for Friday. She knew she would have to pack tonight since tomorrow would be a very busy day at work.

The flight was pleasant. Each of them had carry – on luggage only. It was a quick ninety -minute journey. Arrangements were made for a rental car to be waiting for once they arrived.

With luck and not a lot of traffic they would arrive at a decent hour. Grandma was a night owl but dad was not fond of driving when it got dark. She smiles as she thinks about her grandmother’s words,” It is a normal part of getting older.”

As they arrived, her grandmother greeted them on the porch,” Well look who is here. Charlotte. Oh my, how you became such a beautiful young lady. Charlotte smiled and gave her grandma a hug.

“I know grandma, It has been a long time and I am sorry. It doesn’t mean I haven’t thought of you.”

” I know dear. We all get busy sometimes. Now let’s get inside and I made a snack for us. They do not give you enough to eat on those flights to fill you up. ”

After suitcases were put in the extra bedrooms they entered the kitchen to see her grandmother busy setting out bowls and spoons. on the table.

She set a large bowl in the center of the table. Alphabet soup. Charlotte looked up to see her grandmother returning the look. She smiled sheepishly and winked at her granddaughter.

After all these years of separation, it was as if nothing had changed. They talked and talked. Catching up with each other.

“Grandma, look,” Charlotte spoke in a childlike voice. In her spoon she had found all the letters to spell A – D – M – I – R – E. Her grandmother’s eyes softened as she read the word.

Written By: Angel

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Thoughts From Angel:

Memories are very precious for me. If I had to chose between keeping old memories or making new ones, I would always say, “I would rather keep the old memories.”

I have so many memories growing up ,of those who I loved and now they are gone, that I want to hold onto. These memories remind me of where I came from and it is because of them made me the person I am today.

If you would like to support what I do “Buy me a coffee”

Vocabulary:

triggers – verb: cause (an event or situation) to happen 

adopted – verb: choose to take up, follow, or use

hybrid – adjective: mixed or combined

egging – verb: urge or encourage someone

clever – adjective: intelligence

decreased -verb: smaller

resonated -verb: reverberating sound, hearing over and over again

thumbing through – phrasal verb: to turn page(s) quickly

attractive – adjective: appealing to look at

admire – verb: regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval

squashed – adjective: to stop or softened

startled – adjective: sudden shock or alarm

fond – adjective: having an affection or liking for something or someone

sheepishly – adverb: having a sneaky way, mischievous

childlike – adjective: qualities associated with a child

Question ( s ):

Have you ever experienced a memory triggered by a smell? A song?

Do you have a favorite childhood memory of someone you were very close to, like a grandparent?

Akpan

( Advanced level )

At the young age of seventeen, Akpan had more weight on his shoulders than any other in his village. He was the eldest son of the tribal leader.

When he was younger he hated not having a normal childhood. When his friends went out to play, his father had other ideas for him. He was being groomed for his future responsibilities.

Akpan knew his future was clear. This year, on his eighteenth birthday he would take over the responsibilities for his father and the people. He would become the next leader. Was he ready? Would he make his father and his villagers proud?

On a hot and dusty afternoon, as Akpan sat under a tree, he thought of what the villagers needed the most. Something that could change their future and generations to come. His official duties would begin in less than three months and he wanted to prove, not only to himself but to the people, he was ready.

The people were able to provide enough food to sustain them. Growing vegetables and raising animals. They were able to build basic housing to shelter them from the elements. The only thing they were needing was the opportunity for a proper education.

Most, in his village, were unable to have any type of a formal education. They would use outdated material and books that were donated by different organizations from around the world. Most of Akpan’s own education was from reading. Any chance he had he would read.

His father, too, received his education through life itself. Not having the proverbial brick and mortar schoolhouse did not stop him nor will it stop Akpan.

Once in a while, groups from the western world would come, staying for short periods of time. They helped in any way they could. Mostly, helping the young to learn to read and write.

During this time, Akpan would take the opportunity to ask many questions. Wanting to know as much as he could about the western world, as it seemed so far away.

The latest group, a missionary group from America, had taught them to play baseball using a crude stick and anything they could find that was round and resembled a ball. To this day, they continue to play this game. One day they hope to have a real bat and ball.

When the missionaries left they said they would return, in late summer, when the temperatures cooled. They would return with more donations of clothing, treats, school supplies and non-perishable food.

Akpan remembered them saying, “If they needed anything special, send word to us. We will try to have the supplies when we return.”

Somehow, Akpan had to get word to them. He could write, not eloquently, but they must hear his plea. His mind was filled with what he wanted to say.

The next day he tore a page out of a school book. Most of the pages were filled but he managed to find one page that had one blank side.

And so he began his letter…..

Dear Madam,

On my eighteenth birthday, I will become leader of our tribe. I am ready for this responsibility and welcome any challenges. One thing I want, most of all, is for my people to have the opportunity for a real education.

I want them to have a school. An actual building with new books, desks and a teacher. I want them to have the opportunity that I , nor my father, or my grandfather never had.

I know this is quite a lot to ask from you. Our people have always appreciated everything you have done. You once told us if we needed anything to get word to you, so now I write this letter in hopes that you can help.

We shared stories and ate together. You are considered honorary members of our tribe.

Until we meet again,

Akpan

He folded the letter and tied a piece of twine around it. His way of sealing it like an official letter. He was proud of his letter. When he was unsure of the spelling of a word, he would thumb through the old school books until he found the word he wanted to use.

He sent it with a runner to the next, much larger, village. From there it would go onto the next village and so on.

He knew it could take up to a month or more to get to its destination. He just hoped it would arrive in time, for them to read, before his special day.

Akpan’s special day had come. His birthday. Moreover, the day in which he would become the new leader. Even though this was the day Akpan waited in anticipation for all his life, his spirits were low. He was hoping the missionaries would have arrived by now, but they hadn’t. He wanted to surprise his father and his village.

The ceremony was simple but beautiful. His father stepped out of their home, with a long bright yellow and red cloth wrapped around one shoulder flowing down to what seemed to be like a long skirt.

On his head was a simple matching yellow and red headpiece. In his left hand he held a small wooden ceremonial club. The club was carved with ornate birds and nestled at the top were beautiful blue feathers of the shoebill stork, cascading downward.

Akpan turned to face his father, as the villagers chanted to the cadence of the drums. His father bowed his head down as if he was giving a nod. He then passed the ceremonial club to Akpan, signifying the transfer of leadership to him.

As the summer came to an end, Akpan had settled into his new role. Making sure enough dry food was stored for the cooler months ahead. Fish were sun dried and stored . Meat was cured and salted.

He would often look down the long dusty road that led into his village. He wondered if his letter had made it to its destination. With the passing of many months, he felt it had not.

The cooler months had come and gone and new life was springing up. The trees, that lay dormant, began to show green. The wild grass had started to pry its way through the dry earth. The rains will come soon. He knew it would be time to plant this year’s crops.

Many of the wild animals would be giving birth within the next few months and this meant he would have to make sure the fencing around the crops would keep them out. The young were always inquisitive and the smells of the new vegetables were enticing. Cute as they are, the crops would be destroyed within hours.

A few months had passed and summer was approaching. The villagers would be harvesting the first crops and replanting for the next. Usually two harvests would suffice the village until the next spring.

Early one morning, the villagers were busy getting their day started. The men were tending to the animals as the women were preparing the morning meal. Life was going like clockwork.

The men had finished with the animals just about the time breakfast was ready. The women were busy gathering up the children so they, too, could have their breakfast.

One young boy came running yelling, “Akpan, Akpan…look!” as he pointed down the road. In the distance, Akpan could see not one, not two but three large trucks headed their way.

Akpan walked to the edge of the road and began to smile. Could this be what he asked for? He had given up all hope on his letter and his wish.

As the trucks drew closer, all of the people had gathered around Akpan. They, too, were watching and confused about what they saw.

The first truck came to a complete stop just a few feet from the group. Out of the passenger side jumped a small framed woman, who the villagers had recognized. She ran up to Akpan, with a huge smile across her face, she extended her arms out for an embrace.

“It has been a long time, my friend. I received your letter and it took me a while to organize such a feat, but here we are! We have enough materials to build your schoolhouse. We have new school books and desks. And we have arranged for teachers, from all over the world, to come and teach 3 months at a time.”

Akpan just stood there. Gazing at the trucks filled with what would change the future of his village. The village children squealed with delight.

Akpan’s father had been standing behind him and heard the whole conversation. He was so proud of his son. He had grown into a strong , confident man and what a great leader he had become.

Written by : Angel

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Vocabulary:

weight on his shoulders – idiom: many problems or responsibilities

groomed – verb: prepare 

sustain – verb: supply and nourish

elements – noun: weather or conditions

formal – adjective: official

outdated – adjective: out of date

proverbial – adjective: well known, traditional

brick and mortar – adjective: physical presence of a building

missionary group – noun: group of people sent into an area to promote education, literacy, health care, and economic development

crude – adjective: makeshift

resembled – verb: features of the real object or person

non-perishable – adjective: used to describe an item, usually food, that can be stored for a long time without spoiling.

eloquently – adverb: fluent or persuasive 

plea – noun: request

honorary-adjective: an honor or distinction

twine – noun: strong thread or rope usually several twisted together

anticipation – noun: expect or predict

ceremonial – adjective: formal or ritual

ornate – adjective: decorated with patterns, objects or symbols

nestled – verb: settle comfortably within or against something

cascading – verb: to flow or fall

cadence – adjective: rhythm, tempo , beat

dormant- adjective : deep sleep or inactive 

inquisitive – adjective: curious

enticing – adjective: tempting

suffice – verb: enough

tending – verb: to take care of 

clockwork – adjective: very routine *note: clockwork can be a noun if describing a particular mechanism or gears in a clock*

embrace – verb: hold closely 

feat – noun: achievement 

Question(s):

Do you think everyone deserves an opportunity to receive an education?

Have you ever known of anyone who had not finished their education? Had to drop out of school?