Ivy was warned to leave the Hindu Valley. She was a lost Christian mystic. She hid behind her sabbatical habit, Christian cross and priestly gown. Her age is unknown. Many Indians said she was 25 or 30 years of age. She was pretty as lotus flower with a slender Kali frame and shiny jet black milky silk hair. They claim she was a Greek or Turk, but nobody knows. My grandfather Ben met her one day back in June of 1962. She was buying candles from a hindu priest. She purchased a dozen of so. The hindu priest gave her the candles and refused her money. He shouted at her, “Blessed spirit go away, may peace be with you.” He threw white rice at her hair and face. She replied, “Back, you are a pagan and a fool, I came for my holy tools, I will pray for you soul in the light of the true God comes to you.” She walked out the door not paying any attention were she was going. Bingo, she bumped in to my grandfather Ben. She was sacred like a white rabbit ready to run. She dropped her candles on the poor poverty road. Ben replied “I am so sorry, I did not see you coming.” Ivy replied “ It is my fault, I must be going crazy with the heat.” “Ben replies “Let’s go for a drink at Adrimal Nelson Pub.” He grabs her by her right slender hand and off they go. She walks in silent shock. He grabs a table and sits her down around the table. He orders a large gin and tonic pitcher. The elder bartender walks over and smiles at them. He pours them in two large slender glasses. He wipes his fore head and says”If you need anything else I will be reading my race track paper inside the store room, where it is cool.” Ben replies, “Okay.” Ivy grabs the class like a lost infant child, drinks it down in a flash. She stares at Ben and says “Thank You.” Ben replies “You are welcome.” Ivy replies back, “You are kind gentlemen, I must leave know, my spirit is wanted in another room.” Ben replies “Another room”? You must be going crazy with the heat, it can make you feel uneasy. Let me get you a wash cloth from behind the bar to wipe your sweatie forehead.” Ben walks to the bar. A cold wind passes behind him. He feels dizzy. He turns to look back at the table. Ivy is gone. He walks towards the bar door. The Hindu Priest pushes him inside and smiles at him. They walk over to the table. A flower and a gold coin has been left behind with a napkin letter saying “Thank You for your gentle kindness, I pray for you.” The Hindu priest takes the coin, bows to Ben and leaves. Ben picks up the flower and “Says until we meet again Ivy lotus, Amen.”
