Scrabble Cat
Alex and I, once members of the same women’s circle, have been talking about playing scrabble together for the past 15 years. Learning that she was battling cancer was a likely factor that urged me to make the 45 minute drive out to her house and turn our intention into a reality.
She lives with her husband in a picturesque rural setting with a horse in the yard and a porch gazebo overlooking a couple of rolling acres. The first thing I noticed when I saw her was that she looked great. Her hair was the same as I remembered it, a wild and curly mane that reminds me of her love of horses.
After a long hug and a little catching up, the subject turned to scrabble, and she proceeded to tell me about a recent game in which she and her husband both scored over 500 points each!
“I think I’m out of my league,” was all I could say.
In the sunny kitchen alcove where we played, I sipped lemon tea while she dipped corn chips in guacamole and the cat stretched out beside the scrabble board.
“I like to take pictures of finished scrabble boards,” I told her. She understood, and after our game, not only did I take pictures of the scrabble board, but she showed me her art studio where got shots of the ink stamp station, the jewelry making station, the sewing station, and her painted and colored pencil art on the walls. Unfortunately, I later discovered that my camera had no film in it, and my digital camera wasn’t working right.
While we were in the studio, she gifted me with a beautiful turquoise and aventurine necklace that she made. I felt uncomfortable accepting such a generous gift.
“Let’s make a trade,” I offered. “I have some of my books in my car.” And so, before we said our goodbyes, I handed her my two books.
“This one is poetry…and…you might not choose to read this one,” I said as I handed her “The Jim and Dan Stories.” She knew it was about my brother’s deaths. “Be careful and use your intuition about what you want to take in right now,” I told her.
Alex read both books “cover to cover!” She emailed me 2 days later to tell me. I was surprised that she even would read a book about family loss considering what she is facing herself. But Alex is not your average person.
She wrote, “I was impressed at your careful note taking during times of stress. You made the story unfold, instead of telling it all from the endpoint, which feels more human and less preachy.”
She plans to suggest “The Jim and Dan Stories” be read and discussed at her book group. “Can I tell them you would come to the discussion?” she asked.
“Of course, I’d love to!” I answered. And then we set up another scrabble game at my place for sometime in November…after she gets back from her next (immunotherapy) treatment.
Photo: I did manage to retrieve one photo from the digital camera of the scene before we started our game. Alex’s cat was the referee.
Note to Readers: I’m closing up shop for the moment and heading to Boston to see my dad who had a car accident on the 17th and is now preparing for neck vertebrae surgery. I’m excited that I’ll be seeing him soon, maybe even before the operation. He can’t talk because he is hooked up to a ventilator, but he is writing on paper. He recently wrote “I love you all,” and complimented one of the doctors for being a “good looking Irishman!” Stay tuned. Posts will likely be erratic.
October 29th, 2005 8:25 am
I liked your friend’s comment:
“…You made the story unfold, instead of telling it all from the endpoint…”
Best wishes to your dad. Have a safe trip.
October 29th, 2005 10:44 am
Colleen, it was nice of you to go play Scrabble with Alex, and you probably brought her a world of blessings.
I will pray for your Dad; please let us know how he is getting along.
October 29th, 2005 11:26 am
Such a nice post, Colleen. What wonderful comfort time with a good friend can bring. Safe travels to Boston. I’m glad you will be with your dad.
October 29th, 2005 1:30 pm
One correction on the otherwise beautiful post – dad’s car accident was on Monday, October 17th. The first time I wrote about it was here:
http://ben-gal.tripod.com/index.blog?entry_id=1254713
Can’t wait to see you Col. Maybe we can play some Scrabble.
October 29th, 2005 3:54 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your dad, I will say prayers for him. Oreo says: Oh, oh, what a pretty kitty!! Boy or girl? Either way, kitty should join the tuxedo club!! There is a link on my bloggie! Purrrrrrrs.
October 29th, 2005 9:53 pm
Thanks, Kath, I changed the date. And thanks to everyone for your thoughts and concerns. The report on my dad is encouraging! We just got back from the hospital. It’s snowing here!
October 29th, 2005 10:42 pm
Beautiful post; that visit is a blessing for you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for all the days ahead. Stay warm.
October 30th, 2005 7:37 am
Colleen, you and your family are in my thoughts so very much these days. Wishing all the very best to you always and hoping your dad makes a full and speedy recovery!
The visit with your friend sounds so medicinal!!
October 30th, 2005 5:41 pm
Best wishes and prayers for your dad. He sounds like a real fighter and a wee bit of an Irish rogue as well. Take care.