RoadKill


By the time we got home from our retreat, it would be too late to cook dinner. It was time to make a roadkill. We phoned the other car and made the exit.

As ten of us milled in front of the counter, choosing between Subway's choice of meats and breads, Sr. Irene came to mind. Her father was dying in Vietnam and she rushed back to be at his side. It was too late. She also missed our sisters' annual retreat. And this outing.

Twelve years ago when McDonalds was still a luxury for most Americans, Sr. Irene took us.

"May I have a cheeseburger without the cheese?"
The cashier looked blankly at Sr. Irene.
"I would like a cheeseburger without cheese," Sr. Irene repeated sweetly.
"Ma'am... you mean you want a hamburger," the cashier said helplessly. We tried to convince Sr. Irene that she really meant a hamburger.

Sr. Irene got her cheeseburger without the cheese.
And we learned more about McDonalds.
A cheeseburger came with a leaf of lettuce.
A hamburger only has pickles.
Sr. Irene wanted her lettuce.

And if you have ever met Sr. Irene, no one can say "no" to her twinkling sweet eyes.

ps1. Photo of us enjoying ice cream at Bolivar, Missouri's Subway in a Walmart.
ps2. More photos from the retreat
http://www.trinhvuong.org/PhotogalleryAug2006/Annual%20Retreat_2010/index.html

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