The Purse

I carry a purse I bought in South Africa this past summer (on John's sabbatical). It was crocheted of (strips of) blue plastic bags and a little colored yarn by a woman who lived in Gugulethu. We met her as we were concluding our "tour" of the township of Gugulethu near Cape Town the first week of our visit. Her little table of beautifully crocheted crafts was set alone near the parked car.

I did not learn her name, and I do not remember her face. But I remember Thando, our guide, quietly telling us that she had HIV/AIDS, and was trying to support herself. Health insurance, I guessed, was not part of the picture.

As for me, I have received regular and extensive diagnostic care - mostly paid for by my husband's health insurance. And now, with this appearance of cancer, I have hope of wellness, with treatment, again, mostly paid for by health insurance.

I know I do not have to go to South Africa for stories of people without insurance. But I carry her story with me.