Breakfast at Sally's - Four

The conversation for Sunday evening, January 10, 2010 brings us to Chapters 7 of Breakfast at Sally's. And once again, the word "Sanctuary" pops up ... LeMieux writes: I needed to find some sanctuary from the cold February rain ... We have spoken about the Biblical concept of "sanctuary", coming from the idea of the "cities of refuge" (see Deuteronomy 19), and how this notion is carried over into LeMieux's writing. In Chapter 7, the "Sanctuary" is a hospital waiting room. This sanctuary is not, however, completely safe, as there are security guards on the lookout for homeless people who have come to rest or get warm. And it is in this chapter that we learn the story of Richard's family - the three siblings he had that he never knew.

1. What are your family's secrets - the things that can't be discussed?
2. Do our secrets have less of an impact on us by virtue of the fact that we don't talk about them?
3. Were you ever given the "gift of innocence"? (See page 100.) Have you ever given it to someone else? Have you ever intentionally taken it away from anyone?
4. My world changed that day on that swing, writes LeMieux. (Page 101.) What is the connection between grief and depression?
5. What do you suppose Marcia meant when she said: And when I die, I guess I'm going to be homeless, too - at least until Jesus comes and gets me and takes me to his home.
6. Richard saved some of his hamburger for Willow. How did Marcia respond to this action? Have you ever been inspired to be more generous because of the generosity of others? (Pages 103-104.)
7. In the Hebrew Bible, Sanctuary is a place; in this chapter, Sanctuary for Richard is a person. Which is it? Why?
8. The last 6 pages of Chapter 7 are particularly poignant for me. Re-read them; reflect on them; are there insights you can glean from these words? What are your thoughts?

Looking forward to our conversation on Sunday evening!