good neighbors

i just got off the phone with my family friend of 27 years, barbara salisbury. like so many of my friends she is well over 50 and, unlike many, she is one of the most important woman in my life. she taught me how to bake bread and pull taffy. she taught me how to play 'i spy' and how to garden. she sewed my halloween costumes and filled my lunchbox on the days it was empty.

we spoke today to make plans for dinner tomorrow night in denver. before we hung up, she told me that the backyard fence is being torn down and replaced. so, i thought a farewell letter was in order:

dear fence,

thank you for containing us as we ran around like banshees after school and for being second base in kick ball. and even though you gave me my first splinter, i forgive you because you also kept out the smelly boy next door. i'll miss hearing the familiar click-clack of your latch and swinging your gate open wide as a mile.

love,

kate