Small block of cheese; Big blessing

We have a neighbor that the boys call the crazy cat lady. She does have three cats, along with two little yappy dogs and three birds, and she is a little crazy, since she had a traumatic brain injury eleven years ago and now only has half her brain, so I suppose it’s fitting. I, however, call her my friend. As with her pets, she does everything in excess. Her yard is overflowing with rocks, cacti, and kitsch. Her house is packed with furniture, decorations, clothing, and sacks full of whatever she purchased during her latest shopping spree. I actually understand her need for “things.” She is desperately trying to fill the void of something more substantial in her life…healthy human relationships.

From time to time she will show up at our door with some food product, like half of a bag of potatoes, or stale bakery cookies. She does the same thing with at least one other neighbor. I realize that not only does she use it as an excuse to visit us (I try to assure her that just her visit is treat enough), but also to try to feel like she’s doing something for someone, so I’m always grateful. “These potatoes are great. They will save me a trip to the store!” “The boys will scarf those cookies right down!”

Yesterday I stopped by her house for a few minutes just to chat and check on her. In the short time that I was there she offered me a can of Diet Pepsi, which I gladly accepted. I mean really, I would have to be crazy to turn down my favorite beverage, especially since I was going through caffeine withdrawal. As she rummaged in her fridge looking for the soda, she offered me some mustard (“I have so many bottles of mustard, are you sure you wouldn’t like to take some?”) and two brown bananas, all of which I politely declined. She then offered me a brick of sharp cheddar cheese. Bingo! My friendship can be bought for a brick of cheese. “I would love some cheese! I can make homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner tomorrow.” My friend then said that she loves homemade mac and cheese, so I invited her to come have lunch with me today. I made a big batch of the cheesy goodness, baked a little pan of it for the crazy cat lady and myself for lunch, then fed a big ol’ pan of it to the boys for dinner.

I had quite a nice time at lunch. Between my friend’s constant anger, self-pity, and depression, we even laughed. I don’t expect her to change or be any different than she is. All I can do is love and accept her, and be grateful for the blessing she is to me.