Elizabeth was still convalescing from the accident too, but Baba kept her ever busy in one way or another. Each morning, Mani would come to her room bringing instructions and messages from Baba requiring constant and immediate attention. I believe she saw Baba only twice during this month. One such occasion is still fresh in my memory. I was called to Elizabeth's room and found Baba in his wheel chair already there. Out of the blue, Baba asked me if I would be willing to stay behind in Myrtle Beach and not return with them to India but help Elizabeth who would be convalescing for some months, and Norina who was expected home from the hospital. Without hesitation, or perhaps on an impulse, I said, "Why yes, of course, Baba."

Baba gave me two specific tasks. First, to help Elizabeth and Norina, both of whom were convalescing, one from the accident, the other from a severe heart attack and nervous exhaustion. Secondly I was to help them in the work at the Center, with special care to be given to the cabins.

Next day when I was called to Elizabeth's room, Baba asked me to tell her what he had asked me the day before. I recall turning to him, saying, "A few months, Baba?" And he said, "Perhaps a year. You will remain here till I return." Baba reiterated these instructions in 1956 and again in 1958. When following a Perfect Master, * be prepared for the unexpected!

I have been asked how I could stand to be separated for so long after spending twenty-five years * * with Baba in India. Each one of us is as close or as far from Baba, not in measurement of time, land, or ocean, but according to the treasure we carry in our hearts, the ever-growing consciousness of Baba's love. It is this God-given consciousness which is the Bread of Life and the sustaining power even in the prolonged so-called separation. Let me say here that if I am not with Baba in India then there is no other place on earth I would rather be than in Myrtle Beach, close to Baba's Center, where he has told us he has "left his heart." And was it not in this very house in which I now write that Baba spent the month of his convalescence? I am indeed blessed to be with Elizabeth and among those who love Baba.

Let us read Sadie Martin's account of this convalescent period. She had been called by Dr. Chapman the day we returned from Oklahoma to nurse Elizabeth. She says: “After several days had passed when nursing Mrs. Patterson, I was told that Barbara was asleep upstairs and that I was not

*In Kitty’s book “Love Alone Prevails” she says, “When following the Avatar....”J.K. 9-14-04

* *According to “Love Alone Prevails, page 412 and Lord Meher.org. page 3894 Kitty lived in India 15 years not 25. J.K. 9-15-04