From a Second Mother to a Cherished Friend

I’m certain I’ll always be more of a second mother image to all of you as youngsters. Now, however, we have time in our lives to become friends. And I value these relationships and the time together immensely. I wasn’t so sure about all of you, however. Like the times when Bernie was cracking up my toy china tea sets. But, Bernie, you were such a cute little boy, full of mischief and full of energy. You’d give me a swat on the behind every time you walked by me. Then, I’d chase you around with a dish towel till Mom made us stop. Oh, it was a good life, but we were too young to know it. Then one day along came little Barbara; last but not least. Cute as a button (you all were,) but I was thirteen, the perfect age to help Mom with her. So Barby became my little pal. Do you remember Barb? I took you everywhere with me and my friends thought you were adorable. Diana, I remember when you were in such pain and I would rub your poor ulcerated leg with lard. You were a rock, however, and cried very little. A brave little girl. Carol, the day you were brought home from the hospital is a day I’ll never forget. You were so small and pink. Your little head lay against your shoulder. Mom taught us all to turn your head to the other side each time we passed by your baby basket. The muscles in your neck were so weak you couldn’t turn by yourself. I truly don’t remember how long it took but eventually you were able to hold your head up by yourself. And Delores, we all thought you were a stubborn little girl who just wouldn’t mind. Then finally we discovered your hearing problem. What a revelation! We all felt happy to finally find that out, but really regretted all the scolding you got for not minding. And then, Bob. Quiet, and, never a problem to anyone. Sweet little Bobby who wouldn’t talk. Didn’t need to because we did that for him. Bob, you just pointed and we all knew what you wanted.