CELEBRATING 27 YEARS

1986-2013

HOW IT ALL STARTED...

She always has a linen hanky clutched in her hand.  They are intricate, and delicate, and lacy.  Her white hair is full of teeny curls.  Her cheeks are soft and flushed, like little peaches.  I love my Aunt Agnes very much.

She was waiting for me.  The table was all ready, piled with small stacks of papers.  "In chronological order," she assured me.  She was proud of this fact, but her face was pinched and worried.  It was overwhelming.  One bout of illness, a stay in the hospital, mountains of Medicare papers and bills...

A china plate full of little butter cookies was placed next to some pens and pencils.  She had shined her tea service.  "One must never forget how special it is to serve tea to loved ones," she told me, many, many times through the years.  She poured the tea with the confidence of a hostess who has experienced lifetimes.  The room was quiet and calm.  It was lovely with the sun of the morning and the aromas of tea, honey, and cookies. 

We smiled together.

"I will help you Aunt Agnes."