Photo by Bill Stokes
By Bill Stokes
Kickass, the doorstop dog, reviews the keeper’s allegiance to the verity that descendants are there for the use and convenience of senior tribal members, as Phyllis’s son Todd and two granddaughters—Alexis and Taylor, show up to assist with moving several bulky items over to future living quarters.
The price for taking advantage of their willing help is to be reminded of diminished personal abilities, but that is balanced with admiration for their easy competence, and their sensitivity in easing the keeper out of the way to get the job done.
That last is very important: Todd and Alexis and Taylor, with their strong backs, understand the delicate nature of dignity as it is threatened by age, and for that–and those strong backs, Phyllis and the keeper express their profound appreciation.
