When Beryl was 47, our community decided to welcome him as a member. The day he was to move in was stormy; Jim worked late, then went to pick him up from the institution where he had lived since he was 17. Beryl was waiting , with his two suitcases and bag - all his worldly possessions - and Jim apologized, "I'm sorry I've kept you waiting. Have you been here long?" Beryl replied, "About thirty years."

One morning at breakfast I remarked that I had to get to an important meeting but had no car. Lots of suggestions were offered - borrow a car, hitch a ride with our farm team, take a bus - all of which I turned down for various reasons. Finally David, who had been listening while he rocked back and forth and munched his cereal, slapped the table and offered the solution, "Sue, if you really need to go to the meeting, why don't you just ride your broomstick?"

photo: Louise and Sharon, L'Arche Esquif
art by Karen Neale, L'Arche Daybreak