We found BIG boxes of COFFEE AND TEA! I’m sure it was for the reception
table in the motel office. (There’s even a box of non-dairy creamer
and sugar packets!!!!)
Celebrate the small victories, right?
The lady in room 8 has three little girls. They want me to help them
build a fort. I’m completely mystified that these children want to
build a fort when that is what we seemingly LIVE in. A motel with
a semi-moat and wire fencing and yes…..a fort.
But, they tell me they want a princess castle kind of fort.
I never had children. I probably never will now. I was completely
immersed in my career. I mean you don’t win awards for writing
by having babies and making a home.
You work.
I worked. Now. I still work. I work here. And I do physical labor
almost every day now.
But…..there is down time. When everything is done. And you
can sit on your behind or you can find other things to do. Or you
can play with the children.
I mean, what do I know about playing with children? Ask me about
writing. Ask me about Estee Lauder and Donna Karan.
Don’t ask me to build a princess fort in the middle of the apocalypse.
Only….there was lots of down time as we continue just to
go through the storage building.
There was lots of extra linens. Big sheets. Blankets. Towels.
So, I helped the girls make a fort. And we decorated it with
grass and tree branches and stones.
Their mother was grateful for the break. Having someone
else give her girls attention.
I was mystified by them. Their resilience. Their ability to
still want what little girls want.
Hospitality: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment
of guests, visitors, or strangers.
The girls were hospitable. I think I should return the favor.
We’re all going to have tea this evening. Underneath
their princess fort of sheets and blankets. Which have
been blowing and billowing in the breeze all day.
It feels like an absurdly indulgent thing to do.
But what are we to do? We are still here. And we should
make the most of it.
Sam