The assignment for our Writing Group here at the Waters of Excelsior on Friday, June 13, 2025 was to applaud someone. The following was what I presented in honor of a resident whom I chose to leave unnamed, but who represents so much that is good in what seems like a tragedy. Today I was in the process of filing it away when I thought you might enjoy the message. So, here it is.
I APPLAUD YOU.
goodness,At least every half hour.
You ask what day this is.
And in between you.
Inquire about the time.
Then you ask when they will be.
Playing the game you enjoy,
The one you will engage in.
With full understanding.
When it begins.
When nothing else is going on.
You read your book.
I don’t know if it’s the.
Same book over and over.
Like the stories of your life.
family, husband and occupation.
And always you are the first.
To clear the table to make space.
For the newcomer.
Or help place the wheelchaired person.
Comfortably at the table.
And fetch a glass of water.
For the person who wants it.
Even as you pick up what the.
Person with the walker has dropped.
You’re always there to open the door
When you think I want to come in.
I applaud you for all this.
What really matters.
The essence of who you really are.
Goodness, generosity, kindness.
Mona
monagustafsonaffinito 
Hello Mona ~ Lisa is my very good Williamsburg/Fish friend and we enjoyed a lovely lunch visit at her home a few years ago.
At that time I had found my father, Al Kisarewich’s, Bristol High School yearbook where you appear as classmates.
I’ve finally found my way to your blog entries, selecting random dates to read. What an impact the poem I Applaud You ( July 2025) made! This summer we are spending time in Maine, as we always do, with friends from our college days. It’s clear we aren’t 18 year olds any longer! No hiking, no skiing, but plenty of meals together! Experiencing how each of us is changing makes for powerful reflection. To get right to the point, your poem reminds me to look beyond what has been lost and to see and applaud the deeper – and more important – essences of personality.
Thank you!
I’ve ordered a few copies of your new book to share with friends, one of whom is a counselor like you. She closed her practice this past year in order to attend to a homebound spouse. It’s been challenging.
With true appreciation,
Karen Berquist
Bristol – Williamsburg – Maine
Oh my, Karen! How happy this makes me. thanks so much for sending it — and buying my book. And especially for appreciating “I applaud you” and commenting with such sensitivity. It’s always fun, too, to be reminded of classmates, and the years at Bristol High School. As I recall, our class motto was, “What we are to be we are now becoming.” I mention that in the book.
If I ever get to Williamsburg again I hope I’ll get to see you. And mention of Maine makes me happy too. I love Maine. What a great place to spend time.