I took Eda Bea (Denise's mom) to Starbucks for a tall mocha. I ordered a grande soy latte with dolce cinnamon syrup at 139 degrees. Eda Bea motioned that she wanted to sit on the soft lounge chairs outside, where we could enjoy the fresh air and the sound of speeding cars from the street and freeway. As we sipped our hot libations, I leaned towards her, smiling widely and with a loud voice to challenge the rustle and tussle of the traffic, I blurted, "Hey mom, I found a copy of a newspaper article from 1944 signed by Ditz." Her eyes widened and filled with tears. Stutteringly, she spurted out, "He was my husband." She searched in her purse for a tissue with which to wipe her tearing eyes as she repeated, "He was my husband." The tears flowed as her lips quivered. She tried to apologize for crying. I patted her knee and explained, "You are entitled to cry for those you love mom. Heaven knows I cry for Jeremy." She breathed out a big sigh and requested a regular coffee.
Flashing lights from a police car returned her composure. She took a few sips and requested that I drive her home. As we drove past the flashing lights I noticed the motorcycle cop writing out a traffic citation. She smiled, being grateful for the distraction. I will take her out again today. I will read the letter in a place that is more conducive to heartfelt listening.
1 comment:
Wow. What a post. I was completely captivated by it as I read it over a few times. How old was Grandpa when he wrote that letter? When are you going to scan adn post the next one?
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