title: Tales from the Bed: A Memoir
author:  Jenifer Estess 
description: "Touching and inspiring....It's like having lunch with a delightful and hilarious friend who you wish could stay on into the evening for just one more story, one more tale."<br /> -- Sarah Jessica Parker<br /><br />"This gem of a book is an astonishing gift. Filled with Jenifer's singular grace and exquisite wit, <i>Tales from the Bed</i> had me laughing and crying, and often at the same time."<br /> -- Peter Hedges, author of <i>What's Eating Gilbert Grape</i><br /><br />"Even as [ALS] steals much of Jenifer away, she reaches inside and shares the best part with us."<br /> -- Michael J. Fox<br /><br />"From the vantage point of her queen-size bed, Estess displays unflagging courage and wry humor."<br /> -- <i>Los Angeles Daily News</i>
zlib_text:   
  
  **MISS WARE’S REFUSAL**
  
    
  
   **Marjorie Farrell**
  
    
  
   **Chapter 1**
  
    
  
  Judith awoke with a start. Outside her window she could hear the cries of
  early-morning vendors and the clatter of milk wagons. The street sounds that
  characterized the city would not reach a crescendo until later, but the chorus
  of bakers and watercress girls was startling enough to one who was used to
  being awakened by the sun and the rooster from the home farm.
  
  Gradually the unfamiliar furniture took shape and the street sounds faded into
  the background of consciousness as Judith savored the sweetness of waking in
  her own bed in her own house, free to rise when she wished and not in answer
  to the demands of others. The small bedroom, with its worn furniture and faded
  curtains, looked luxurious at the moment. She could hear Hannah starting
  breakfast, and Stephen whistling as he dressed.
  
  After a few minutes she got up, and having splashed her face with cold water
  from the pitcher, she pulled her wool sha