Page 44 - Life's Outtakes 8

I had never been to a Halloween party, and I kept
telling myself that it would be okay if I skipped visiting
the elderly this once. But then I would remember how
much some of the widows looked forward to my visit,
and I knew it did matter. I considered that maybe if I
hurried I could still have time at the party, too.

That evening, my mother prepared a box for me
with lots of plates full of candy and cookies covered
with plastic wrap. On a piece of paper she listed out
each house I was to visit.

As I stopped at each home, I was always invited
in. Often I was offered hot chocolate, and the visits
would go on longer than I planned.

I saved the home of Mrs. Levin for last. She was
a sweet little widow whose children lived far away.
She was very lonely and loved having company. My
hope of catching some of the party faded as she told me
about each of her children and then started sharing
stories about when she and her husband were young. I
realized I wouldn’t be missed at the party, but my visit
made a big difference to Mrs. Levin.

It was really late when I left Mrs. Levin’s home,
and I figured the party was probably over, so I just
headed home. Even though I felt disappointment at

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