I came down to Missouri several years ago to help my cousin with his alternative fuel company. Every day I would drive to my cousins shop for work and at least once or twice a month, I would see a little old lady walking rain or shine. She obviously lived somewhere near by because she was always coming or going in my neighborhood. What struck me most about her was she was always dressed in fairly "hip" clothing for her age. Everything usually coordinated and matched, and was always crisp and ironed. Often times she wore a cute little hat that matched what ever outfit she was wearing. Aside from that, she always pulled a small little cart which contained what ever she was taking on her journey for the day. I guess she always caught my eye because not many people walk these days. We all drive cars, or bike, or take some mode of public transportation. I guess with my love for alternative fuels, I was really impressed by this elderly woman who would walk everywhere she went. Perhaps her walking might explain why she was so skinny and fit. All of these little observations managed to put a smile on my face every time I saw her.
Fast forward several years:
I've since married my wonderful wife, and we now live on the north side of Springfield. While running an errand on the south side of town, I ran past my old apartment complex and to my surprise, I saw the little old lady sweeping her driveway. I finally knew where she had come from every time I saw her walking around. Several things struck me, the fact that she was sweeping her driveway (no one I know does that), how tidy the exterior of her home was, and the fact that she was in a cute green outfit with a cute little hat to match. I knew that I'd have to drive the same rout on the way home, and for some reason I felt compelled stop on my way back and tell her how she brightens my day every time I see her. Maybe this popped into my head because both my grandmothers passed away this last year. I know how much they appreciated family and friends stopping by to say hello when they were ill. Perhaps the old lady was alone and didn't have anyone to stop and visit her and make her feel appreciated. In any case, I decided I was going to listen to my instincts.
On the way home from my errand, as I approached her house, I could see that she was still there sweeping her driveway. When the time came to turn the wheel of the car and pull into her driveway I chickened out. I started to wonder if she would be frightened by some strange guy just pulling up. With doubt starting to grow, I decided I'd just keep driving. As soon as I passed her driveway I started to regret not seizing what could be my only opportunity. I decided I'd loop around and if she was still there I'd DEFINITELY say something this time!
As I drove back up the road I could see she was gathering up her broom to head inside. I pulled into the driveway and as she glanced up I smiled and said "Hello, how are you today?" She smiled and said "Fine how are you?" I proceeded to tell her how for the last several years I'd seen her walking everywhere she goes and I was so impressed by her that it made me smile when ever I saw her. She laughed and then softly said "Do you want to know why you smile every time you see me?" I replied "Sure!" She gestured with her hand to get out of the car and said "Turn off your car and step out into the sunshine." I was a little taken back by this but my curiosity got the better of me so I turned the car off and stepped out into her driveway. She gathered up her broom and headed for her front door. I was a little nervous and startled that this elderly woman was about to take a total stranger into her home. I was pretty sure I was in for something unexpected, perhaps her husband would be inside wondering who this strange man was, or maybe she was going to get all preachy on me and share some sort of spiritual message. What I saw next caught me by such surprise it was all I could do to figure out how to handle myself.
Immediately to the right off of the entry way was the living room. There on the floor sat some 20 to 30 stuffed animals all sitting neatly in rows facing a small television playing children's cartoons. The old woman smiled and waved her hand like Vanna White as to reveal them to me. "These are my children," she replied. I did my best not to look overwhelmed or startled. She proceeded to tell me how she had been a school teacher and had an accident years ago and was on disability and was no longer able to teach. I have no idea if this story was true or a figment of her imagination, but seeing those little stuffed animals all lined up watching their show, I couldn't help but imagine them as her students attending one of her classes.
She quickly whisked me down the hallway to 3 more rooms, all filled with her "children" obediently watching their shows. Other rooms, such as the kitchen and back patio had various dinnerware and keepsakes neatly organized and on display. Everything had a home and was well taken care of. She was so proud of it all and was eager to share it with me. By this time I was feeling very anxious to get out of the house, not because I felt uncomfortable around her, she was extremely sweet and kind. I was worried that I was a stranger in a woman's home who obviously had some mental disabilities. The last thing that I wanted was for her family to return and find some strange man in her home.
By this time she obviously felt very comfortable with me being there and wanted to show me each and every one of her "children". The ones she did pick up and hand to me were animated and sang tunes. It was quite the collection to say the least. I thanked her for her generosity for introducing me to her children and told her I had better get on my way. She thanked me for stopping by and for telling her that she made me smile. She walked me back out to the car and once again told me about her disability and how she was sick and probably wasn't going to live much longer. I couldn't help but notice the hospital bracelet around her wrist, an indication that she had recently received some kind of medical attention.
As I got into the car, I thanked her once again for showing me her home. She peered into the window and softly said "I'm probably going to die soon. There will probably be people up there when I get there." She then caught me off guard once again by asking me "Where shall I go?" Not quite knowing what she meant, I replied "When you die?" "Yes," she replied. I smiled back at her and said "You don't have to worry about that, you're going to go to Heaven. When you get there, everyone you know will be waiting for you and they'll be so happy to see you and they'll have a big party to celebrate." From the smile that formed on her face as I was speaking I could tell she was pleased with what I was saying. With tears starting to well up in her eyes she gently placed her hand on my arm and said "That would be wonderful."
And with that, I thanked her yet again and slowly backed out of the driveway. By the time I got the car in gear and was driving away she had already made it to her front door. She stood in the doorway watching intently as I drove away. I gave her one last wave goodbye and she waved back. My head was spinning from what just happened. I felt bad for not reading the sings earlier that she had a mental disability of some kind. Had I known I might have declined her offer to enter her home. On the other hand, I could tell that she was excited to share her story with me. Maybe my grandmothers steered me toward this woman's home, knowing that she may be in need of some company, if only for a few minutes. I'm still not quite sure why I went back to tell her she makes me smile, but for some reason I felt I would regret not doing so.
If anyone reading this post knows the woman in this story, I want you to know that I meant no disrespect by going into her home or by sharing this story. I am only sharing it so that others won't pass up an opportunity to visit the elderly. Getting old can be lonely, especially when everyone you know has passed before you. If anyone is reading this and has grandparents still alive, let them know how much they mean to you. You'd be surprised how much it means to them. I was so moved by this woman, that despite her disability and being alone, she found something that made her happy and brightened her day.
What I didn't mention earlier was before leaving her home, I asked her if I could take a photo of her and her children. I felt slightly uncomfortable going back inside, but I knew if I didn't, no one would believe my story, especially my wife! I grabbed my cell phone and she happily lead me back inside. I'll never forget how friendly this total stranger was to me. Perhaps the aura of joy she exudes from taking care of her "children" is what I saw shining so brightly from her. I'm not sure I'll ever really know, but now I have a photo so I never forget her kindness.
