My brother’s granddaughter leads me up the mountain to the rocks
My Joy and I realized recently that about one year ago she and I made the train trip to visit friends in Lancaster County, my home community around Chambersburg and Marion in Franklin County. With immediate family members we spread my brother’s ashes on some rocks in Pennsylvania as he requested. Now a year later Ruth who is his daughter and my niece came to Indiana to visit a cluster of her relatives and friends who live here. That includes My Joy and me.
A granddaughter scattering ashes
Ruth arrived at Apt. 83 on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. I introduced her to the conveniences of my small apartment and then My Joy joined us. Ruth and My Joy knew each other from the memorial of my brother at the Marion Mennonite Church and the scattering of ashes on the rocks a year ago.
Ruth and My Joy
We left the apartment to show Ruth the sharing table where residents exchange surplus items. We paused at the small aviary where the ten tiny finches chat, feed, and raise their hatchlings. I introduced the women to the two men friends I eat with. We explained the happenings in the Gathering Room where residents worship, exercise, and are entertained.
The Bistro
Then we went to Greencroft’s senior center to enjoy a hearty lunch at the Bistro. My Joy and I returned to Evergreen Place to play games with our regular group while Ruth rested and then joined our play. She is a quick learner.
After games the three of us went to Goshen College and the College Church. Ruth had never seen either place and My Joy and I were eager for her to know how the college and church collaborate in their use of facilities.
The Window
This was the first of Goshen’s “first Fridays” this fall when Goshenites go down town for an evening to relax and meet friends. Businesses and and social agencies reach out for community goodwill.
The Window is a food bank that serves people in need a meal for only as much as they can pay. On first Friday, the Window offers a meal supplied by a church and sold to supporting customers who pay amply for a simple meal of soup and a cookie. My Joy, Ruth and I went there for dinner. We met many friends from the church who were supporting the Window by buying their evening dinner.
On Monday evening we gathered for a family dinner at the home of Rachel and Eldon. This was an opportunity for Ruth to meet Conrad and Jill. Conrad is another cousin. The featured desert was ground cherry and peach pies made by Rachel.
