“As the desolate darkness swept over me, I picked up the phone and called the only pal I could think of.

‘Bea?’ I zei unsteadily. ‘I’m back from my mother’s funeral, I’m alone, and-‘

‘You’re coming to my house,’ she said. ‘Right now. We’re just finishing dinner, and there are plenty of leftovers.’

When I arrived, there were maybe ten people around the table, including her mother, who lived with her and her husband and their boys. Bea made me a plate of food, then tucked me into bed in a guest room. Her tender, gentle care finally brought me peace, and I slept soundly....