clear who she's with or what's happening. Before we
go in, he explains, "She'll ask the same question time
and again. It's hard, of course, but she remains her
same sweet self and we love each more than ever."
Today she wants to know, "When was the last time
we saw each other?" "Last year at this time," we
say, "right here in your lovely home. It's so good
to see you again!" "Oh, yes!", she says, with her
whole heart. Five minutes later she asks again.
"Would you like cheese and crackers?", she asks,
"Sounds good," we say, and I ask if I can help. He
warns me off with a shake of his head, quietly saying,
"She can still do a few things like this--they help
her feel more in control of her life."
She returns with a tray--cheese, crackers, napkins
and small plates carefully arranged--stopping
in front of each of us until we take our share.
"This is communion," I think, "the bread of life,
the wine of love, and our cups floweth over. Never
has a cathedral seen a moment more holy than this."
--Parker J. Palmer
[Photo of John and Gladys Toop with great grandchildren.]
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