I was twelve when I moved to Mrs. Grendal's neighborhood.  I was less then happy about moving and was close to depression.  Saturday found me kicking a ball at the porch of the ‘Grizzly'; and of course I was caught. I figured like every other adult she'd yell at me and call my mom; much to my surprise she invited me in for cookies.  With me she became famous for her mint chip cookies she always had on hand.

            She invited me over every day, offering cookies and an attentive ear. I told her about my troubles, likes, and thoughts, she became my best friend. In the fall when I had to go to boarding school I wrote to her about school, homework, and boy troubles; when I did she always wrote back with advice, answers, and cookies.  She was who I asked to visit on parent weekends, and I looked forward to seeing her on holiday breaks when I came home.

            Each summer as soon as I was unpacked, I ran to her house to talk.  Though she was forty-nine when I first met her she played and talked to me as though we were the same age. The other neighborhood kids thought I was weird for associating with the local witch, but they didn't know her.  She was the one person who'd look at you and see the real you, not who you tried to be.

            My parents also thought it was weird for me to spend time with her and even went so far as to forbid me to visit her. During those times I learned to sneak off to talk.  As I reached my late teens a rift formed between my parents and me, but Mrs. Grendal was always there with a shoulder to cry on. I am thirty-one now and have two children; they knew Mrs. Grendal and loved her greatly. I barely ever see or speak to my parents, but I was always talking to Betty Grendal. I'm here today to talk about what a great person she was and how she helped me on my journey to adulthood.  She was a rock, a best friend, a parent; I'll miss her, but she'll never be forgotten.

Keyword: Funeral friendship love

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Comments (8)

Posted by Zombie Punk 2008-08-13 17:12:50 Affected My Life " ... when I did she always WRITE back with advice ..." this should be WROTE, or you could use "she'd always write back ..." I thought this was a nice, short read about someone close to you. It also says something that has been around for ages; don't judge a book by its cover. Nice job! Cheers, Max + Report this comment
Posted by Tarhead Mugwump 2008-08-13 19:49:27 nice knew a few folks like this. it is a wonderful thing to know that there is always somewhere where you can exist without fear of judgment or reprisal. well done, write on! + Report this comment
Posted by resistanceisfreedom 2008-08-13 21:48:47 .... i felt like this was lacking in something, maybe i didn't think it was long enough...but anyway, i agree, it is definitely nice to have someone like this in your life. + Report this comment
Posted by allmine 2008-08-14 11:00:13 .... It's gotta be wonderful to have someone like this in your life. Someone to listen and give advice without judging. It shoud all be our parents, but as a parent I know how I would react to things my child says. We can't help it... + Report this comment
Posted by lemon 2008-08-14 16:26:24 .... This was short and sweet.. as a youth leader, I know that sometimes its easier for kids or teens to have a relationship with adults other than their parents. + Report this comment
Posted by chaabuk 2008-08-14 16:35:24 Rock Of Gibraltar When one is impressed with somebody, only good words come out. And the memory of this person never fades away. I guess, you had found your memorable person in Betty Grendal. Is she real. + Report this comment
Posted by Something Indecent 2008-08-19 13:52:51 .... This reads like a eulogy to me. But that isn't a bad thing. Its completely sincere and heartfelt which is what eulogies are SUPPOSSED to be. Good job. I thought this was a pleasant read. + Report this comment
Posted by villanova21 2008-08-27 22:35:13 Touching A very touching and heartfelt story. Great job of writing my friend. + Report this comment

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