We were sort of on our own then.  Our generation.  Starkly.  Astoundingly.

  "You DID IT!!!!!"  WE were clapping wildly for a person who'd fully raised a leg to beat shuffle-foot.  Some of us busted into tears.  Some part of each of us on the same journey.  Working our whole lives, working for our lives, some of the rollercoaster ride knocking the wind out of us, but choosing TO LIVE.  While a local Mom not remembering everything anymore using the "coping tools".  "Not my bestest day," she smiled and told.  "But you didn't burn the house down," the Helper patted her shoulder.  "It was great, you called us!" 

     "And I put my own diaper on," she winked and covered a giggle.  "We just call those underwear," a competitive Helper said and patted her own padded behind.  They explained their idea of being two competitive Helpers.  "Keeps them all on their toes somehow." 

     "Us too," the other Helper confessed.  "Life around here can get dreary.  Just the slightest tension makes the days more challenging." 

  "Mother!" A son stopped making way to car from grocery store.  "How's your day?" The lady smiled bigger.  "It's really great now.  But who are you?" The man's shoulders visibly slouched.  "Just kidding dear," the mother covered another giggle.  The man asked if he forgot to pay a bill.  "Not that I know of, but, you know..." 

     "How about lunch?!" 

     "We can't afford it," the Helper said.  "And, your mom called us to hang out today.  So that's what we're doing." 

     "Oh, I see."  The parking lot filled with people running errands on lunch.  There was the easy quiet in the conversation that was people past hotblood phase of life.  "Maybe I could go back inside and get us all lunch!" The man stood up straight and almost pointed a finger in the air with idea.  "That would be lovely." The mom said.