What kind of parent was I, bringing her into this unaware?

I’ve always been a bit too quick to say yes.

A meal for the new mom, same day as a student’s wedding; guests for Shabbos when we promised ourselves a week off....

So I know exactly why I didn’t even think twice — or once — when Galya asked me about finding someone in my neighborhood to visit her bubby in our local nursing home.

“Ooooh, you live in Sanhedria Murchevet? I’ve been looking for—”

“I’d love to! My daughter is nine, and she’s super social, I’ll bring her, too. We can play games!”

Galya was thrilled.

Reality set in that Erev Shabbos when Galya called to give me instructions. “And by the way,” she said, “she’s totally with-it. She’s in a more protective ward, it’s just ’cuz she can’t walk. She’s completely with-it. You can schmooze and play games with her, easy ones, you know?”

Okay, I decided. We’d try it once. Then we’d find another woman who saw bringing joy to the elderly as her G-d-given calling.