THE FOOD MONSTER

 
Time with Kitty is so richly textured. Along with her newfound confusion is a clarity that wasn't there before. And the imprint of her endearing personality more and more marks life around her in Dilruba.

Food, for instance. Kitty loves food. Dilruba, Kitty, food and love for God all blend together into one. Food madness is part of Dilruba. This primal call hovers in the hallways waiting, just waiting, to nibble on the superficial armor protecting the poor helpers who may — just for a moment — allow themselves to share Kitty's extreme delight in a cookie.

CURTAINS! It's ALL over! The ferocious, ever-present food monster eats another victim! Suddenly, within the helpless workers, towering and swirling needs are formed: for chocolate, meat with gravy, dried apricots in the jar by the toaster, cookies in the two-tiered tin, the ham waiting in the second icebox, or half a croissant left over in the first.

I first witnessed this in someone besides myself a few years ago when I watched Ellen dash through the living room to the apricot jar in the kitchen, before saying hello. With relief I identified my own distressing obsession with candy bars in Dilruba as a shared malady.

Likewise, for years I looked forward to cooking Friday night meals for Kitty. It was always the same: fish, asparagus, rice, rolls and fruit. I was afraid to change the menu because she seemed to like it so much. It gave me pleasure to watch Kitty, from the corner of my eye, enjoy her food, and it was a treat to be part of such a wonderful celebration.

Last week when Dot called me up to come over because Kitty was so distressed, it was not surprising that food played a part in the solution.

Kitty was very, very upset when I got there, distraught mostly because of a disagreement she felt she had had with someone that day. As a last resort we got that person on the phone, hoping to clear up the matter.

"Dear," said Kitty on the phone, "I'm sorry if I said something wrong. I apologize ... Yes ... Yes, dear ... Yes."

Dot and I wondered what was being said on the other end. Whatever it was, Kitty's mood was improving.

"Yes, dear," Kitty continued, "but is it boiled ham or baked?"

We both silently collapsed in laughter. To experience Kitty's charm is better than eating. She nourishes the soul with deep delight.