Debbie's Mom

[Mrs. Venation]

My childhood best friend was Debbie. We were inseparable from about age 8 through high school. Debbie married just after high school graduation and left the small town where we grew up, and we pretty much lost touch after that.

Mildred, Debbie's mom, was the foundation of that family. Debbie's dad was mean to his family; I remember when Debbie's brother got a beating because he fell off a skateboard and broke his arm. They had no health insurance, so the bill had to be paid out of pocket, and Mikey got the beating for costing his daddy money.

Debbie's family lived in a "poor" section of town, although wealth was not exactly common there. Mildred always had beautiful flowers blooming in their yard, and her door was always open to the friends of her children. Mildred was kind, gentle and loving.

Last night I learned that Mildred has passed away, and I am heartbroken. I haven't heard from Debbie in at least 30 years, but I am going to find her and try to rekindle the friendship that was so important to me as a child.

In the last three weeks I have lost three people whom I loved and I haven't been able to cry until now.

I want everyone to know what a wonderful person Mildred was. I will always remember her as a loving presence in my childhood, and I pray her children will not suffer too long in their grief.

I love you, Mildred. I love you, Uncle Welton. I love you, Bill. All of you made my life richer.

[Ilsa]

1. I think reaching out to her

would mean so much at this time of their grief. It is always heartening to know that your loved one touched others' lives so meaningfully.

I am sorry for your pain and grief as well. I hope you can find some peace.

[Rainbowreflect]

2. It sounds like she was a wonderful women.

I'm sure it would mean a lot to her family to know how much she meant to you.