Rice and Raspberries

When I grow up, I want to be like my friend Paula Kenyon-Vogt.  A nearly tireless woman, Paula does more before noon than I do in a week, with grace, style, and serenity.  Long-time married woman, Nona to two little boys, mother of two women, Whole Foods guru and home-health nurse, Paula nonetheless wears humility easy and soft.

I still can’t make it through a day without some Paula K-V love, so last night I stopped at the K-V residence.  I ate rice and raspberries on their couch while their grandson Chaska snuggled with Sheldon and watched an educational puppet show.  I tried to leave after rice but Chaska said, No, Auntie Corinne, don’t go! so I stayed for raspberries.  Chaska nibbled his dinner and shared a soft pretzel with me.  I told him that I would trade raspberries for a piece of pretzel. He considered, tore off a portion about an inch long, and said, I’ll take two raspberries for this.  I offered three.  He graciously accepted.

Even with  crazy days and ways that  plague me,  failures that haunt me,  lamented losses that I feel I could have prevented, my life somehow can never be considered wholly worthless.  As long as the Kenyon-Vogt household still welcomes me, I know that I will never be completely alone.

Sheldon and Chaska.

Sheldon and Chaska.

Look closely!  It's Chaska at the Matt Ross Community Center!

Look closely! It’s Chaska at the Matt Ross Community Center!

Paula and Sheldon

Paula and Sheldon

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