Being a naturally-rosy person, and one that flushes easily with heat, embarrassment, anger, tears, laughter (you name it!), I have no idea how many times I've been asked that.
Today I didn't mind it at all.
Doris asked so sweetly, and her face is so palely aging, and she wanted to hold my hand and to talk about her six sons and my seven brothers, and she waits to see us Monday by Monday and to hear our voices.
Doris has watery eyes and thin, dark-grey hair. She seems like she has had a happy life, in the easy way she smiles, in how she thanks us for singing, and requests we sing particular hymns, and in the kindness she shows to Patsy by finding her page in the hymnal every single time. Even brightly-dressed Patsy who watches us sing with her mouth open and no comments after the songs cannot be rude to Doris, and her presence is softened by her quiet, gentle-spirited neighbor. Doris is grace and peace behind a walker. She is joy in the grey moments, joy in the last days.
Doris is one of the people who makes Monday a delight.
Other goodies in my life today: 135-145
135. Extra sleep after the alarm rings
136. A bag of apples in the pantry, another on the counter, another on the floor, and the fruit bowl piled high
137. New socks on cold mornings
138. T. S. Eliot, particularly snippets from Choruses From 'The Rock' (1934) IX and X.
139. A notebook with a clear page, and a pen with a fine nib
140. Freshly made applesauce steaming on the stove, golden lumps and smoothness, faintly breathing cinnamon
141. Pomplamoose and their delightful music (Youtube will acquaint you with them - awesome couple!)
142. Lisa's apple Pan-Dowdy
143. Cheddar cheese in thick slices
144. That my car has a radio
145. Really hot water from the tap.
Even though I wouldn't normally want to, you make me want to be able to go and visit with you.
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