February 14, 2009
This morning Aunt Fran phoned to wish me Happy Valentine's Day. She is a chipper, peppy, perky one, unafflicted with the family EAP (Edgar Alan Poe) syndrome.
I love her voice--she has a southern belle, Scarlett in Gone With The Wind accent. She and my younger sister Kiki look and sound so much alike.

I didn't mention that today was my mother's birthday--if she had lived she'd be about 88. Aunt Fran didn't mention it either--she probably forgot.

For several years Aunt Fran has been dealing with her husband's Alzheimer's by herself, but has finally allowed hospice to come in and help her manage him. This is the thing--her adult kids don't come around, don't help her at all. When she needs help, she calls on an acquaintance, a man who does repairs on the house etc. He always comes to assist her, sometimes bringing along his son in law.

It reminds me of a line from A Streetcar Named Desire, when Blanche says "I depend on the kindness of strangers." And believe me, you get to a stage in life when kindness is paramount and has a value above rubies.
It also reminds me of another quote; it goes like "How sharper than a serpent's tooth is an ungrateful child."
Thank God for the kindness of strangers.

susil
PS I forgot to mention Abe Lincoln's 200th birthday a couple of days ago--my favorite president. You aren't forgotten, Mr. Lincoln.