This morning I had already put out the washing and washed the dishes (mental note to buy a new dishwasher this month to replace broken one). There was a knock at the door. I moved Merv's wheelchair out of the way and had my spiel already. If the Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses are knocking - I'm too busy to talk, thank you. If someone is after a donation I'm figuring if I have any loose change in my purse. If its Red Cross, Vinnies or a well known charity hopefully they will receive a more generous donation!
I stop in my tracks, my caller is neither of the above. She tells me she is on the way to the shops and called in to see me. I can't remember the last time she did this. I can't remember if she has ever visited me before! My visitor is the mum of one of Mel's friend. Her best friend in primary and high school but sadly they have lost touch. Her mum still lives a ten minute walk from us. She had one of her grandchildren with her. A little boy of 20 months who was mostly well behaved during the visit. I could tell she was alarmed at seeing Merv. He is not the person he used to be since Huntington's Disease took over his life six years ago. Merv just sat and listened but he said hello to the little boy when he turned his attention to him. The toddler wasn't phased about the minimal response he received from Merv.
I made coffee and delighted in the only face to face conversation I knew I would have today. In reflection I wondered how many words we exchanged in the hour she visited. Maybe a few thousand? Merv will say between 20 - 50 words the whole day.
As she left with her grandchild she took the time to hug me. I didn't really need a hug but I was grateful for it. I was even more than grateful for the conversation. Hopefully she might call again.
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