Mary is a dear, funny, super intelligent friend who coddled us all during our time in Independence. She gave the boys reign of her house, showed them her animals, and led them through her gardens and collection of books and games. We woke to bacon and breakfast, clean laundry and a sweetheart who seemed interested in everything the boys had to say. I had a great cup of coffee (despite the rumors denouncing Mary's coffee abilities), and we felt perfectly welcome. This trust thing is new..but completely hopeful and inspiring to me.
We met Mary's wonderful sister Nancy, who works as a librarian, and she welcomed us at her library, after visiting with us at Mary's house. I loved watching these two women talk, by the way. Every word between them had meaning and love and humor in it. Every sentence bounced. So smart and fun. The boys checked out library books under Mary's name, and then went to further gorge themselves at a diner nearby; lunch and sundaes. We will be heading back to Mary's for dinner tonight.
If you have a better humanity piece than the Reuter JMT trip, please forward it on. I am filling up with hope again.