Judy (an old woman)
Jeannie (her daughter)
(Jeannie enters with a plate of cookies - embraces Judy and kisses her on the cheek.)
JEANNIE: Hello, Mama.
JUDY : Jeannie, you're here - oh, how good it is to see you. - I knew you'd come today - I've been so hungry to see you. I put this dress on especially for you.
JEANNIE: You're looking so good, Mama - how are you feeling?
JUDY: Well, I have a few aches and pains, but nothing to complain about. All in all, I feel wonderful, especially since you're here now. But that's enough about me - what have you been doing?
JEANNIE: Oh, mama - I've been so busy - first it's one thing and then another. Seems like I need to be three people. The pastor's sermon was on priorities last Sunday, and I got to thinking that I'm so busy but I'm not getting anything done. I guess I need to sit down and take stock - you know - rethink what's important
JUDY: I guess we all need to take stock every once in a while. Uh - What is that on that plate there? Oh, cookies - I've been almost as hungry for your cookies as I was for the sight of you.
JEANNIE: Remember when you taught me how to make these cookies? What a silly name, too - Snickerdoodles.
JUDY: - There was snickerdoodle dough in every nook and cranny. I thought we'd never get the kitchen scraped clean.
(Jeannie and Judy laugh)
JEANNIE; You were always so patient with us - I don't know how you did it.
JUDY: It's easy to be patient when you're making memories with someone you love. Sometimes I wish I could do it all over again. You kids were a joy, a real joy. Kept me young, I'll tell you. Now sometimes I just sit here and remember those times. I think my favorite memories were of our trips to the zoo - what a time we had then. We'd come home and you kids would be streaked with dirt, covered in cotton candy from head to toe. And remember the time your brother fell out of the tree and we thought he was dead? Glory be - what a fright he gave us. And what about that swimming meet where you came in third? You were so proud - I didn't have the heart to mention that there were only three little girls competing. What a corker you were - changing your name to Sue in the second grade. Thank goodness you came to your senses and changed it back to Jeannie in the third. I could go on and on - the memories just start pouring back when I get started.
JEANNIE: Yes, mama, those are wonderful memories; but the most important thing we did together was to go to Church. Without the strength that Jesus gives me every day, I'd have had a hard life. I hate to think where I'd be now if Jesus wasn't my Savior
JUDY: You'll probably think I'm getting a mite touched, but sometimes when I'm sitting here rocking, I can almost feel the arms of the Savior wrapped around me, like I was a little child. And to think some people think going to Church is a burden. How much they've missed.
JEANNIE: Well, mama, I've had a nice visit, but I have to go now. You take care of yourself. - (pausing as an afterthought) By the way, how did you know I'd be here to visit you today?
JUDY: Why, Jeannie, dear - didn't you know? I look for you every day!
..............................................
Copyright Judy Sadler, all rights reserved.
This play may be performed without royalty payment, provided no charge is made
for performance. In return the author would appreciate being told of any performance.
She may be contacted at alfie@charter.net, or visit her web site at
http://www.angelfire.com/ok/originalpoetry/index.html