She's in her mid eighties now, skin still smooth and lovely, a warm smile on the pretty face I know and love so well. She taught me so much in my twenties, those formative years where you teeter on the brink of becoming a woman, while holding fast to your rebellious, teenage ways.
When I first met Rose, we immediately clicked. I had been brought up in an old-fashioned Italian home much as she'd been and we bonded over stories of our upbringing and similar family backgrounds.
She was elegant in a Jaclyn Kennedy sort-of-way to me. Soft spoken and kind. Yet this woman could out work any man as she went about daily chores. I marveled at her strength physically and emotionally. She was small, yet with unshakeable courage and a poise which made me want to emulate her.
She taught me graciousness, she taught me patience and forbearance. I learned how to become a gentle woman of God with her as my guide. Even though our ages were almost thirty years apart, I felt a kinship with this woman, a friendship.
To this day, when we speak on the phone, or on the occasion where I am fortunate enough to visit with her, I still feel the calming presence, the warmth and familiarity of a woman who I will always consider like a second mother to me.
Thank you, Rose. All my love.
This sounds like such a special relationship. It reminds me of Mrs. Glick, an elderly neighbor I used to visit when she sat on her porch while I was in high school. I always felt so warm and nourished after our conversations. Thanks for sharing Rose with us.
ReplyDeletepstrack, you are so very welcome. she is one of the most decent human beings I know. glad you knew someone special like that! thanks for commenting!
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