Ode to Mrs. Z

Do you have any childhood memories of an adult (other than a parent) that made you feel really special? I do. Mrs. Z. From the ages of 4 to 6, my memories are mostly of playing in her house and backyard with her daughter Kristen and her little sister.

Their house was magical. We played for hours and I never wanted to leave. Kristen was my best friend and we went on many adventures without ever leaving her house.

I remember...
the bologna sandwiches on white bread with potato chips and cool-aid. That was a treat.
playing with earthworms and feeling the rich muddy dirt squishing through my fingers.
her grandma and grandpa also living there. They didn't say much.
her grandpa's mint vintage car.

Most of all I remember how I felt. I felt so included. Mrs. Z was always very sweet to me. She let us play without telling us how to do it.

Then, they moved away. I was heartbroken. I went to visit once and I went to her birthday party too. It wasn't the same. She had new friends and they all shared special jokes that only they knew about. I was jealous and sad.

That was the end of the friendship, but I still hold the special memories of my early childhood close to my heart. It taught me a big lesson early on. Special times are transient. You have to enjoy them without abandon. While you are still in the moment, don't mourn at the thought that they will end at some point. You'll have plenty of time to mourn later and then you will be left with beautiful memories.