Life is Like a Pot of Soup

In 1994 Forrest Gump made famous his mama’s lesson, “Life is like a box of chocolates….you never know what you're gonna get.” It’s the same when I make a batch of soup. Sometimes a pot will turn out especially tasty, and my husband will look at me and shake his head—because he knows I’ll never be able to completely replicate it, since so much of soup-making is an improvisational process. The outcome always differs by playing with proportions along with the variety and freshness of ingredients.

Whenever I’m at the stove I recall one of my favorite children’s books, Stone Soup. For those who haven’t read it, the main character doesn’t have a pot to, um, cook in, and his hunger propels him to tell people in the village that he can create soup from a stone, which they all soon marvel at his miracle in the making. The charming chef keeps tasting the soup and adds that with a donated chicken, later an onion, then some carrots, and a little pepper…that the soup keeps getting better. “Soup from a stone, fancy that,” the villagers exclaim after each addition. A part of me always felt a little bad that they were being duped by a man who clearly had nothing but a rock and an idea…but the other part of me always marveled at his brilliance, the way he influenced them to believe in his vision.

This past week I’ve been thinking about how throughout our own life’s journeys we never know what we’re going to get, like those chocolates, or even when concocting a recipe—we’re never quite sure how the end result will taste. But one thing is certain. We all begin with a somewhat clean slate, like that smooth stone in the kid book. And that the ham bone, the stock, the vegetables, the beans, the Italian parsley, and the garlic add the right amount of acidity, spice, nourishment, and freshness. In a way, just like the teachers, coaches, relatives, and friends…all shape us into the interesting adults we’ve become.

Rarely can anyone concoct a bad soup…and the same applies to people. Most people I know are intrinsically good who want to help others. Who comes to your mind? Who has been particularly influential to you?  Think about those you’ve encountered and brought into your friendship circle. I’m especially thankful for those who have made me a better person and who inspire me to strive to be a better cook, mother, friend, teacher—you name it.

Maybe I’ll buy some shrimp tonight and make a “Gump-bo.” While I chop peacefully I’ll gratefully think about all of the flavorful folks who have peppered my life with experiences, laughter, and guidance, knowing full well that my pot is ever tastier with them in it.   And, like Forrest said, “That's all I have to say about that.”

This post is dedicated to the ever cool and inspiring Renee Fitzgerald who taught me to add/welcome as many different ingredients/people to my savory soup mix.