It is a bit steamy on the Writing Porch. A picturesque evening. The birds sing their evening songs. We have become an older population. Old looks normal to me. When I was young, I thought, ‘Bless their hearts.’ Now, 50-year-olds seem like kids. As a lad, I thought that once I reached 40, I would have it all worked out. ‘No more school, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.’

We fall into our group. Those who have resources forget that not everyone does. The grocery is a fun safari for some and a haunted house for others. It requires a juggler to keep the balls of groceries, fuel, and medicine in the air without dropping a ball or two. High fuel prices are not a theoretical exercise for many.

‘I have noticed that Tommy L often eats lunch by himself in the lunchroom,’ Chet observed. ‘Kids do not make fun of him but avoid him,’ Chet continued. ‘Tommy L has some physical disability but a keen intellect and sharp wit,’ Chet explained. ‘Once I heard him recite the Declaration of Independence from memory,’ Chet smiled.

‘Please join me for lunch,’ Jane said to Tommy L. ‘Chet will be eating with us if that is alright,’ Jane said. ‘We are getting a Play together celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, and we want you to be in it,’ Jane said with a big smile. ‘I am told that you have memorized the Declaration of Independence. Would you recite it as the crescendo of the performance?’ Jane asked with tears in her eyes.

‘I would be honored to recite the Declaration of Independence,’ Tommy L said with a big grin. ‘I did not think you guys liked me. I am a bit of an introvert and rarely push myself forward,’ Tommy L said. ‘Dad taught me the Declaration when he was at Harvard before he died,’ Tommy noted. ‘Dad told me to not judge others, to give everyone a chance,’ Tommy grinned again.