CarolC, As you are a Beckett enthusiast -

...and to add a musical aside (and put in a plug at the same time for an artist whose music would not totally be out of place here or in a Beckett environment) - you might perhaps find this link to this short story by country artist (and the term 'country' is applied here loosely) Jim White rather interesting....

Jim White has two CD's out, "Wrong Eyed Jesus," and his latest, "No Such Place." He's a great lyricist, singer, songwriter, who has had a very interesting life personally and career-wise.

http://www.luakabop.com/jim_white/cmp/blessing.html