11 - Whose Dish Is This

By Kay Heitsch

There were a lot of flowers, so we asked that they be sent to nursing homes. I took the ceramic shoe that Aunt Carmeleta and Uncle Fred had given. I have placed that shoe on Todd's grave ever since.

The house didn't seem the same anymore. I was still numb, but I was going through the motions. I tried to be strong for Shannon and Brandon. I would take my bath and sob my eyes out. I'd dry off and come out trying to be normal.

I was surprised by people's kindness. I didn't have to cook because people were dropping food off.

I knew most people except one woman. I had no idea who she was when she dropped off her dish. I immediately looked at the bottom of her dish. There was no name. I would have to wait until she returned to find out. Sandy returned for her dish. I found out her son ran cross country with Todd.

Sandy's kindness meant a lot, and I wondered what made her bring a dish when I didn't even know her.

One day, I stood at the kitchen counter, mindlessly eating. Suddenly, I heard that quiet voice say, "Kay, you won't like the consequences of this behavior."

Somehow, I knew that was true.