White Gloves and Party Manners

My mother wrote today to say that our next door neighbor of 26 years passed away Saturday. It made Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070304/ap_on_re_us/obit_stewart_1) and Fox News online. It briefly tells the life of someone who I looked up to and at times wished to be like. I spent most of my childhood at her house growing up with her granddaughter who was my best friend at the time from the age of about 7. I remember the first time I saw her and Erin. We'd recently moved in next door I had just turned 4. Our house wasn't small mind you but we lived next to a mansion and in the huge backyard of that mansion was the biggest swingset I've every seen. That sunny day, Erin was dressed in a pretty dress and Marjabelle was pushing her on the swings. I don't remember much about that exchange except that Marjabelle told me any time I wanted to come over and play on the swingset that I could. I was a constant companion to Erin and slept over at Marjabelle's countless nights. We even made up a name for the backyard flower garden we planted one year "The Magical Garden." Marjabelle Young Stewart taught me manners right next to Erin. Through her, a picky kid actually tried artichokes and sweet italian sausage (she made the best spaghetti). Every year they would have a two story Christmas tree in the entry and a wonderful Christmas eve party. We would play dress up in the dresses she wore when she was younger. She was Granny. She meant the world to me as a child. Even when I learned of the flaws of the woman, I still loved her for her spirit and everything she did for me as a child. She made everything special. She hasn't been in my life for some time now, but she will always be a part of me and hold a special place in my heart. She knew me for a mere quarter of her life, but I have known her all of mine. May God's peace be with her.