Seeing the Face of God

As we visited yesterday, Used to Be Mother said "I finally know what God looks like."

Me:  You do? How did you come to know that?

UTBM: It's right here in this little book.

She brings out a small book like the one you would find in those bathroom dispensers for condoms and fake tattoos. It's a small book of prayers and well worn. She holds it together with an elastic band.

She opens the book and shows me on the front page a Made In China etching of Jesus carrying a lamb on his back.

UTBM: See. I'm just so amazed. Did you know he looked like that?

She's happy she has this perfect image of God.

We continue talking. She tells me about her Catholic Prayer book and all the prayers she says morning and night for her neighbours, for her family, for those who have died. She spends several hours each day reciting these prayers.

UTBM: I hope God hears my prayers. I hope I am being good to God.

I assure her she is.

We go through her closet and find a basketful of dirty tops and pants.

UTBM: I'm amazed there is so much laundry.

While the clothes wash, we listen to Susan Boyle, and to a Polka disc. She dances around her apartment doing her little jig. She tells me again how she danced recently with my son and his wife. She doesn't remember their names.

I invite her to go grocery shopping.

UTBM: Oh I'd love to go.

She's amazed by almost everything

I ask if she can pick out some nectarines. She doesn't know what they are.

She pushes the cart up and down the aisles exclaiming her amazement and asking a million questions about products she used many years ago but no longer knows their names nor their use.

UTBM: How much did that cost you today? (She's amazed how much groceries cost these days).

I drop her off at her apartment with our customary kiss on the lips and her asking me if she can live with us.

She stands waving at her front door as I drive away. She is happy.