9 Comments

You prove that it’s rewarding to forge a friendship even if there’s sometimes resistance at first. Heartwarming story!

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Marian, Thanks. I was so glad we established a relationship those last years. So many other things happened in our relationship but this was already way too long! Thanks for reading and commenting.

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I already loved this lady. Though… how exactly did she fall out of the car? I have vivid memories before seatbelts of sliding down a bench seat when the door fell open… my mom caught me, but it made an impression, so, I wondered… 🤔

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We were in my Corolla, and I pulled up to the door. She opened her door and stumbled out and fell on her arm. She was in her late 80s by then but still going strong. Yep, she was an independent woman. I had forgotten that when mom and dad when on vacation without us (which was rare), she'd stay with Mari and I. I have several postcards mom sent her addressed to all three of us. I found them in Irene's stuff I have.

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You have written another very touching story and one that reflected some of my own experience with a family member. I can't read anything you write without absorbing it. Beautiful recollection.

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Marci, Thank you. I love that it reminds you of your experience.

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How wonderful to have such a great relationship with her. Your comment on the back door - She always wanted us to use the back door, which involved climbing steep metal steps, which were scary when covered with ice or snow, and burning hot in the summer. - reminded me that I had to do the same when we visited my Mom's Dad in his duplex.

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Lesley, Thanks. I glad I kept at it because she really wasn't interested or at least that's how I felt. It's funny what we remember. I was scared of those steps!! Glad it brought a memory back for you.

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As soon as I saw Irene's shirt in that first photo, in front of the white Christmas tree, I remember seeing it in my own family. A blast of memory. I'm glad you got to kindle such a close relationship with Irene.

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