I was so grateful to see Mary Kellogg, we sat in her living room, we talked, I felt the spirit in the room, I felt Mary standing in the light, she is in the great transition, and she knows it. I have to gain weight, she said, they want me to gain weight. Her eyes have lost none of their fierce spirit and glow, she seemed tired to me, worn down, perhaps by the harsh winter, which she had endured alone, as always.

I felt a holy spirit in the room, as if Mary was being held in the light, her spirit was presenting itself to me.

But Mary does not complain about her life or tell struggle stories about it, not ever. You mean so much to us, I said, you mean so much to me, she replied.

I remember when we met, we took a walk together in the woods, what was it, six or seven years ago?

I remember it, Mary, walked on the path. I was troubled, I was in so much trouble.

I knew, I could see that you were troubled, that it was a difficult time for you.

But I always liked you Jon, from the first, I always did. And I am so happy for you. You look so good, so healthy,

and so happy. I am 85 now now, I can’t have too much time left. I want to stay here, I hope I can, right on through.

I remember how happy you were when I told you I was in love with Maria, you were the first person – maybe the only one –

to say that was beautiful, that was good. She will take care of you, you said, she will keep you in line.

And she has.

I know she has, said Mary, she is such a good and sweet person, I am so happy for you.

I want you to know, Jon, how grateful I am to you and Maria, for encouraging my work, for publishing my poems. I don’t think it would ever have happened without the two you. I hope you know how much it means to me.

Can I ask? Have you chosen a title for the book?

Yes, we have. “How To Dance.” From one of your poems.

Oh yes, I like that, very much.

Have I thanked you for encouraging me?

You have, Mary, you tell me often enough, every time I see you.

I think we all need encouragement.

Yes, I suppose we do. I might take your writing class at Hubbard Hall, I think that might be good for me.

It will sure be good for me, Mary, I would so love to have you.