Beside Greg’s woven placemat lay the special wide-grip handle I had bought at the medical supply shop on Oak Ridge Highway.

It was made of thick gray rubber, shaped with deep finger grooves to help steady a trembling grip.

Greg reached out his right hand, taking his time as his thumb tapped a slow pattern against his index finger.

He closed his hand around the soft rubber grip and lifted his navy porcelain coffee mug three inches off the placemat.

He brought the cup to his lips in one smooth, steady motion, holding it level without spilling a single dark drop.

He took a small sip and set the mug back down on its cork coaster with a light, solid tap.