Enough to Miss Christmas

We made a stop at a book store where I purchased two mysteries for mother, keeping my fingers crossed as my credit card once again made it. On a whim, I pushed my luck and grabbed three books I thought Karen might like, not classics from her so-called reading list, but titles I'd personally read and loved.

"Sorry there isn't a Latin translation. Don't show them to Sister Rose. She might be scandalized. She looked the books over one by one and accepted them with a polite thank you.

While Karen was nervous meeting Suzie, she showed no such reticence when she followed me into my mother's room at Maple Grove Manor. My stomach butterflies were once again on high alert, and I was worried I might spew my lunch.

Mother was seated in the same chair. I was pleased to see she held one of the books I'd purchased for her on our prior trip. She looked up and smiled.

"You've brought Karen," she said.

I was so euphoric I had trouble not bawling. We'd caught her in a rational mood. Karen walked directly to her and took her hand.

"I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Blanding. I've met both of your daughters and now I get to meet you." She took my mother's hand in hers. Will this child ever cease amazing me?

"Please call me Grandma," my mother said, surprising me even more. She'd yet to acknowledge my presence so I walked forward and bent to kiss her cheek. She pulled back and stared at me and then turned back to Karen.

"The book lady came in with you. I have two visitors in one afternoon. That's nice." She turned to me. "What did you bring me today? Your timing is very good. I'm almost finished this one."

"I'm Sarah," I managed to stammer.

"That's nice. It's easy for me to remember. Sarah the book lady. Sarah is my daughter's name too. This lovely young lady Karen is her husband Paul's daughter." She smiled benevolently and patted Karen's hand. Karen sat on the floor, Indian style, next to her, still holding her hand. I plopped on the edge of the bed, not knowing what to say. The book lady relegated to the background.

"Your father's not coming today?" mother asked Karen.

"No. My little brother Timmy fell and hurt his head. He's much better now but Dad is staying with him. I came with Sarah."

If this confused my mother, she didn't say. Instead she continued to hold Karen's hand and asked how she was getting along.

My mother noticed that I remained in the room. "I don't owe you money for the books, do I? I'm sorry but they don't let us keep any funds in our room."