I took a deep breath & called Coyan just now. Our conversation went something like this:
C: Huhllo.
L: Hi! It's me …… Lilyán. [self-deprecating giggle]
C: Lily?!!! [chuckles] I was just thinking about you a half an hour ago; I had a new postcard to put in the Lilyan file.
L: Yeah? [giggles] Nice.
C: So, how are you doing? How's your mom?
L: I'm doing a lot better, a lot better. And I've got enough caregivers now so Mom can rest more and go out in field service and to the meetings.
C: Good, good, I'm glad to hear it. You, you sound fantastic! So much clearer, stronger…like you can breathe.
L: Yes, I can. Breathing…it's a special privilege.
C: A special privilege. Indeed it is. ………So, you have someone with you right now, tonight?
L: Uh huh. I have Toni.
C: Tony?!
{I hate how the written word can't express vocal tones. In this case, deeper & very serious.}
L: Yes, Toni. [giggles] She's a girl.
C: Oh, ... Toni. …............... I'm sure you share the truth with her as often as you can. Are you suceeding?
L: Yeah, I try. I think it's going well.
C: Well, tell her thank you for doing such a good job caring for you.
L: Okay, I will. [barely supressed giggles]
C: Your example must be very encouraging to those around you, and in the congregation.
L: So they tell me.
{We are now skipping a personal part of the conversation & moving on.}
L: ………Um, the reason I called is to let you know we're coming to New York in September.
C: Here?! You're going to be here? in New York?
L: Yeeesss. [giggles]
C: Wow. ……All right, when will you be here? Do you know the exact date?
L: September 22nd or 23rd--
C: Hold on, wait just a minute. [long pause, then pages moving] Now, did you say September 10th?
L: No. Actually, we'll be leaving close to that date cause we're driving--
C: Driving?
L: Yes. [giggles]
C: To New York? [low whistle]
L: Yes. [outright laughter]
C: Is anyone going with you?
L: A couple sisters from our congregation.
C: [sighs] Oh good. [clears throat] So when exactly will you get here to New York?
L: The last week in September.
C: That's September 23rd to the end of the month…[writing sounds] Do you have Lunch arranged for?
L: Um, I don't know. Lupita said she'd take care of everything, food, lodging, tours, the works.
C: Of course. Hmm.…Tell you what, once you settle on a schedule, have Lupita contact me and I'll get you all in for Lunch with either a tour before or after. All right?
L: Yes, all right.
C: Now I can't guarantee to be there for your tour, but what I can do is have you and your caregiver and Lupita over for dinner up in my rooms -- either Thursday or Friday. You decide when and have Lupita tell me. How does that sound?
L: Fine, just fine.
C: Okay, then Lily. I have a work-related meeting to get to, so I'll talk you later, all right?
L: Yes, okay.
Okay, obviously I'm not the most brilliant of conversationalists! & I giggle waaay too much. But, besides that....
Can you see why I'm bouncing in my chair?!
We get to not only tour Bethel, but have Lunch there!! (Yes, I know, thousands of people do that all the time, but not me.)
Then, we're having dinner in Coyan's apartment. This is so COOL. I can't wait to see all his plants & his photos from his adventures!
