The Team

The setting is an ancient New England inn with history oozing from time gilded local oak timbers, interior decorated with rememberances of the past. A jovial bartender bustling preparations toward anticipated busier evening hours accompanied by occasional clinks of bottles and glassware. Tables being effiently set by competant waitsaff quietlybantering with the chef and barkeep. Owner/manager quick-stepping, double checking, firing off questions and instructions. Soft period lighting and the hearth ablaze with atmosphere adding warmth to the late autumn afternoon chill. At a semi-secluded corner table a party of four enjoy libation and muted coversation...a team of three for the other. One an organized philosophical study(the visiting friend), another an efficient working professional and housewife (the daughter), the third a champion for people with special needs (the sister).


A few weeks earlier, the other had disappointingly experienced an unusual lung-rasping shortness of breath during a routine beach walk. Subsequent trial walks produced similar results which he discussed with his cardiologist. A failed stress-test was followed by a cardio-catheterization that precpitated immediate open heart surgery complete with triple-bypass corrections. The team of three was called to action; not an orchestrated rehearsed selection of events but rather a collecton of individual cooperative acts that melded fragmenation into wholeness on behalf of the striken other. Personal plans were cast aside and expenditures of previously planned time were abandoned as the three rallied in mutual support. Now, with successful healing being nurtred, the other was seeking some demonstration of gratitude to the three in commensurate magnitude. Therefore, finding none of worthy stature or possibility he tries to convey his emotions - tackling the enormity of wrapping his need with phrases that can hardly be understood by those who have not personally experienced similar circumstances.

How does one attempt to compensate another for the magnitude of the gift given? What possible expression of gratitude can even begin to convey that which is so intesely personal? Is it even possible? Is it necessary? Does simple acceptance of that given convey enough to satisfy the spirit...the love represented? Or is a commitment to "pay it forward", to accept the torch that is passed in order to lighten the load of another in need, sufficient? Within the surrounding circumstances, the other seems to be left with no option than the latter and has accepted all that has been given with thanksgiving and resolve.