The two people sitting at the table nearest to me were my parents.

My parents were generous with each other, and I have to admit to myself that I felt closer to them than anyone could be. They touched me beyond words; they took me seriously; and they were very kind to me, too.

When I needed anything, they would gather round me and pour it into my smile-box and I would give them a big hug and a kiss.

“Good-bye” my parents would say. And then out we would go in our separate ways.