Book Excerpt: Peace from Broken Pieces

I left for a three-day trip to finish up the album. When I called home the next evening, I got no answer. Several calls, still no answer. I didn't worry; I knew my grandson was with my husband, so there was little chance for hanky-panky on his part. He called me back after midnight. They had been to dinner, he and my grandson and his best friend. Then, because the hot tub was finished, they had all gotten in. I suddenly felt as if someone was trying to pull my eyeballs through my ears.

"Who was in the hot tub?"

"Me, Oluwa, and Jerry. It is really nice. I know you'll love it."

"Are you telling me that you let Jerry into the hot tub with my grandson?"

"Yes, I did."

"Are you crazy?"

"What do you mean?"

Jerry has AIDS. Jerry has full-blown AIDS! He has no business in a hot tub, and he has no business in that hot tub with my grandson or my husband.

"Well, he is my best friend, and I don't have an issue with it."

"Well, you should!"

"You can't catch AIDS like that."

"Did he sweat?"

"I guess so."

"Well, my love, sweat is a bodily fluid and that is how AIDS is transferred. You must be crazy."

"No, I'm not, but you are!"

I am not sure who hung up first. I just know we both did.