For the first time in 12 years, my wife, Sue, and I have the same school vacation weeks. Previously, she had taught adult education in New Hampshire, and I teach in Maine. This fall she started a new job in Fryeburg, Maine, so we follow the same vacation schedules now. That meant thatshe and I were able to do our annual event at Riverview Psychiatric Hospital together. This was her first time in the new facility. Our good friend, James Weathersby is the chaplain there, and it was great to see him again, although I know Sue wished his wife Valerie was there that day, too.

Our show was very well attended, and the audience more responsive than they often are there. One older patient really seemed to enjoy the music, and twice ran over to Sue. The first time was to get a closer look at a dive that had been produced, and the second time was to sing along with "O Come All Ye Faithful", which accompanies my cigar on routine. She even got Sue to join in the singing.

Now please understand, Riverview is not a place where the patients just run around helter-skelter. In fact, in 30 years of two shows a year, this is the first time this happened. One of the staff explained to Sue that trying to redirect the patient would have been more,disruptive than just letting her go, as long as Sue was okay with it. Of course, she was.

After the show, James introduced us to Henry, a patient who would be getting baptized the following week! How cool. God has not forgotten these people who are often forgotten by our leaders and society at large. God bless you, Henry!