Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Shirley was my Mother Ruth best friend growing up in Cambridge in the 1930’s They were only two months apart in age. I heard many wonderful stories about their childhood adventures.
When it was a hot day, they bought a ticket on the subway and rode the train around the city sticking their heads out of the window to catch the wind to cool off. They would go down to the corner grocery store each girl would purchase a big dill pickle for a nickel, and nibble on it it all day. One day while Shirley was over at my Mother’s apartment, they heard my grandfather come up the stairs, apparently they were not suppose to be home or be in school, they hid under the bed, while my grandfather walked in to make his lunch., trying not to giggle. After he left , they came out from under the bed. They shared a lot of childhood secrets as most young girls do. They ended up going to different high schools. But kept their friendship going. At age 18 my mother moved to California, Still remaining friends for the next 66 years, sending cards on their birthdays.. Three years ago i asked my Mother if she knew where Shirley lived, i wanted to meet her. I drove down to the the nursing facility where she was staying. This began a three year friendship. On two visits I set up Facetime so Shirley and my Mother could talk to each other. During my visits i painted Shirley’s nails and I often bought my favorite china tea cups, lace napkins and had tea in the dining room. In the Summer i brought her fresh flowers from my garden. She loved touching the flowers and admiring their colors. Shirley loved to talk about her family, her sons, and grandchildren. They were here source of pride and joy. I heard stories about her brothers, her mother and father. I will miss those visits. Shirley was a sweet gentle soul. I am happy I had the chance to finally meet my Mother’s best childhood friend. Heaven now has another angel.
