Have a piece of forgiveness

Father Charlie is here. He's sitting at Mom's side, listening to Mom go on and on about forgiveness, love and paradise. They talk about Jesus, paradise and the Cleveland Browns. 

"I didn't know you were a Browns fan," says Father Charlie. "Yes, I am," says Mom. "Did you see my gift?" she says as she points to her new autographed Josh Cribbs photo. "It's our penance to be a Browns fan," says Father Charlie with a smile. "And Indian's fans," Mom adds. It's nice to hear her laugh and to know she hasn't lost her sense of humor. 

I excuse myself from the room to sit down the hall and type. There is a man or woman in the room across from me that can't seem to find a show to watch. He or she changes the channel every 10 seconds, searching for something. The TV is LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!

The whole family is here with Mom. Dad's wearing a Westerville North sweatshirt that says Warriors. He rubs his temples as he listens to Mom and father Charlie discuss the love of God. He's a strong man (Dad, that is; but I'm sure Father Charlie is strong too!). When he's not at Mom's side, he's singing in the church choir, walking their dog Faith, or having a nice meal at a local restaurant. We've been inviting Dad to dinners and trying to keep him involved in the grandkids activities so he doesn't lose touch with life outside Willowbrook. 

Two nurses just passed wheeling a man in a Steelers hat. Yuck. 

Mom has a box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from Hawaii she's tiled her "forgiveness" box. She hands out a piece of forgiveness to everyone in the room, even her nurses. "No thanks Mom," Julie says holding firm. "If I have anymore forgiveness, I wont fit in my jeans." We laugh at that. "What do jeans have to do with forgiveness?" Mom asks. "Julie, just take one, we all need forgiveness." Julie considers it.... then gives in. 

The loud watching TV person has settled on a show. Lucile Ball. Who'd have guessed? I'm going back to Mom's room.