Come Into My Room

I learned something this week, in Provincetown.   Not that that’s unusual.   Quite the opposite, actually.

I learned more about the definition of Hospitality.   That definition that I’ve been chasing for quite some time.    What I discovered was that it does not have to include a huge or elaborate or fancy or, even, correct meal.  It only has to include the idea that welcoming friends and strangers into one’s home is the most basic of human gestures.

In fact, it recognizes quite a few universal needs….nourishment, contact, interaction, relaxation, safety….love.

So thank you for the ill-received fried shrimp, shell-on.  Thank you for the the grunts and groans and non-communication as you sat at your computer making lists each morning.   Thank you for the reluctantly-accepted, spur-of-the-moment invitation that turned out to be a delightful evening and the impetus for new, lasting friendships.   And thank you, for the hug, the recognition, the “hey John Brown!” and the embrace of the newest addition to my life.