I had a most restful stay at Graymoor, sleeping soundly as the rain, which began shortly after my arrival, continued into the night. Father Fred comes at seven-thirty to take me to breakfast, where we enjoy a few short moments together, and as always, as it inevitably must, that time comes. Father Fred walks to the door with me, and after a prayer for my continued safe passage, we bid farewell.
Father Fred, you have been so generous and kind to me. Thank you for caring, and for your prayers. There is no way I can ever repay you, but is it not such a wonderful debt! Today is another day full with anticipation. Joe is a retired New York City police officer. Here he met my older son, Jay. I first met Joe when he accompanied my son on one of his visits to Georgia, and it was then that Joe and I became good friends.
Plans are to meet Joe there between ten and eleven, but the trail this morning is full of up-rocks and down-rocks, making progress agonizingly slow. I hasten along with much difficulty, stumbling all the while as I break in a new pair of New Balance s.
New Balance is on of my kind sponsors, and they had sent a new pair of their great shoes to me in care of Father Fred at Graymoor. This is going to work much better, but my poor toenail-less doggies are barking as they take a pounding this morning.
Joe is waiting for me with hot coffee and a buttered roll. I sneak up on him, and he must turn as I surprise him by coming around the Inn the back way. We spend a few moments together, making plans for him to come for me at Seven Lakes Drive at three. The thunderstorm returns again. I am so happy to be out of it. Joe prepares a great feast. In awhile his brother John and sister-in-law Jean come by. What a grand time we have. I am not lonely this day! Inasmuch as anyone [ushers] you nearer to God, he or she is your friend.
