Our hearts are open books. You know the tremendous work done by Elizabeth Patterson, Ivy Duce and Marion Florsheim to make this visit as comfortable as possible in delightful surroundings. I have had the barest glimpse of the vast, detailed work behind the scenes. It seems the least we can do is to express our appreciation by a rising vote of thanks."
Thereupon, the whole group rose and clapped their hands.
Baba added: "Elizabeth, Kitty, Ivy, Marion, Norina — these are my five fingers."
Angela Miller, a young girl from Florida, then played one of Baba's favorites on her flute, Gounod's Ave Maria, and others. Baba's eyes took on a dreamy, faraway look.
Afterward, Baba signaled for Harry Kenmore to come over and, as he had promised, let the blind chiropractor feel his face. Baba took Harry's hands in his own and brought the heels of the palms down hard over his cheeks. Harry then freed his fingers so he could palpate the outlines of Baba's features.
Baba then called for Harold Rudd to play his tape recording of a poem he had composed about the little Italian ice cream man who "looka like da Baba." All sat together in the screen verandah while Harold played his tape. Baba's eyes were on Harold almost all the while. He seemed to enjoy the recital and warmly embraced Harold at the end.
Outside, Zarouhi Bahjejian (of New York) also recited a poem to him. Will Belote (of Virginia) then told Baba a tale about the little optimist and the little pessimist. Baba joined in the laughter.
Those who were leaving the Center that day had a farewell embrace. Elizabeth drove Baba to the Guest House for his lunch.
Baba did not see his lovers for the rest of the day. They were to leave the Center the next day, and he had told everyone to pack and get ready. About 4:00 P.M. Adi drove up to the kitchen and called Peter Thibodeau, saying Baba wanted him to come and play Ping-Pong with him at his house. On the day Baba had taken the group to his house, Peter had seen the table and asked Baba if he could play with him. Baba had replied he had no time, but now came his chance.
Baba won every game. After playing, Baba and the boy sat on the front porch and talked about a variety of things.
Peter asked when Baba would be returning to Myrtle Beach and Baba gestured, "Don't be sad; in two years."
Baba gave Peter a box of candy before he left.