As Adeline was about to get into my car, she looked across the street to Charles and Mary Lynn Alltmont’s home and panicked.

“Where are they?” she asked, pointing to the empty driveway.

“I’m not sure. Maybe they went shopping, or to lunch, or to see some friends.”

“Did they move?!”

“Oh no, not yet.”

“When?” she persisted.

“In a few months.”

“Oh, good,” Adeline sighed. “Then I don’t have to start worrying about it yet.”

Now why would my 7-year-old granddaughter worry about our neighbors moving? It’s because although she’s only known them for two years, she absolutely loves them and is especially close to Mrs. Mary Lynn.

If Adeline spots her in the yard, getting out of her car, or at the mailbox, she takes off running as she shouts, “Mrs. Mary Lynn! Mrs. Mary Lynn!” Mrs. Mary Lynn is always gracious and ready with a smile and a warm hug for Adeline. Then she listens patiently as Adeline reports on her latest activities. She was also one of the first people to stand on the side of our street and applaud as Adeline learned to ride her bike without training wheels.

Adeline simply does not want her friend to move to New Orleans.

In preparation for their move, the Alltmonts did what I did a couple of years ago. They’re editing their possessions and deciding what they will take to their new residence. In the process, they offered Adeline a lovely, handmade, furnished dollhouse that their daughters once enjoyed. Rarely does Adeline pass it without saying, “I just love that dollhouse.”

While beautiful, the dollhouse cannot compete with the gift of friendship extended two years ago. They share a bond that is precious and priceless, and I am so grateful that Mrs. Mary Lynn and Adeline are friends.

---

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.

 

Click to report corrections.