Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . You’ve probably heard the question: If you could have lunch with anyone, past or present, who would you choose? Recently, I served on jury duty. As the judge and attorneys vetted our jury pool, the defense attorney asked a young woman the lunch question. “My grandmother,” she answered. “She’s no longer with us. I’d love to sit down with her one more time.” The attorney never asked the same question twice. I had no need to think of how I would answer. Even so, his question stuck in my mind. If not bound by time and place, who would I choose? My own dear grandma (long deceased), Jesus Christ (of course), Abraham Lincoln... Then, in an instant, I knew. If I could have lunch with anyone, past or present, it would be my father at age 40. Officer Cyril Salva, Slovak Army My father led an incredibly interesting life. In 1919, he was born Cyril Methodius Salva in Lúčky [1] , a mid-sized town in the newly formed nation of Czechoslovakia. He came of...

Welcome to Real Life .  Sometimes, a few simple words can be so much more.      _____ “I love that shirt on you. Is it comfortable?” Mom asked. “Yep, it feels great,” I replied. “You know, I like comfortable clothes. And if they look good, well, that’s even better.” Simple words. A normal conversation. Yet, on this day, a normal conversation with my mother felt extraordinary. It had been a long time since we shared one. My mother’s health was quickly deteriorating. As her body was breaking down, so was her mind. Her confusion poured out in fearful questions, “Where am I? Why do I feel so sick? When can I get out of here? Where’s Daddy (my father)?” For months, a normal conversation had been beyond her ability. But, on that Friday afternoon, she and I were like two girls at a slumber party. I climbed into her bed, laid down next to her, and we chatted. “We’re going camping this weekend. So, you won’t see me until Sunday.” “Where are you going?” sh...