This evening as we entered the nursing facility, Shirley, sister to Virginia, stopped me to say hello. And, to get a hug. Virginia is on hospice now, she said, tears in her eyes. Tears came to mine as well. I have gotten to know quite a few families over the year and 1/2 that my grandmother has lived here. No one usually comes out alive. They come here to die. I'm so sorry, I said. And, hugged her hard. How is Tony doing? I ask. Tony is Virginia's husband who has been coming daily to see his wife. For 2 years now. He is doing the best he can, she says. Shirley introduces me to Virginia's friend from elementary school. We are all smiling through tears. Thank you for caring, Shirley says to me squeezing my hand. Next, we see Jenny sitting in the hall. Hello Jenny, I say. Hello, she says. Are you going to see your grandmother? Will you take her to dinner? You are so good, she says. We hug. I kiss her on the cheek. Next, we see Gloria. She reaches for my hands. So warm, she says. It is Monday. You take your grandma to dinner today. Japanese, right? See you again soon, she says, squeezing my hands one last time. My grandmother isn't in her room. Those with full memory forgot we were coming lol. No matter. John gets her from the activities room where the able ones get dinner while I spend time with Miss Owens, my grandmother's roommate. We thought she was dying last week. She is but, not today. Today, she lets me kiss her face as she smiles. We take my grandmother to dinner in San Jose's Japantown. Do you know who lives in Japantown? I ask. No, who? she says. Japanese, I say. She laughs so hard and grabs my arm. You are so funny, she says. Later, after her shower as I kneel before her helping her put on her clothes, I sneak in a kiss on her lips. She kisses back and giggles. I LIKE that KISS! she exclaims, laughing. I hug her around her middle; she holds my head and shoulder. I am that little girl again with her Obaachan. Her Jiichan is working out in the fields. Memories. So much in one day. Love joy and sadness too. All valid, all heart opening. Not a bad place to be <3