Flowers for Henrietta

The flowers were in bloom, and the birds were singing beautiful melodies. I had been confined to my house because of a recent minor surgery and had not been able to enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine. It was April, and today was about the only day of the week we would not be getting rain. I could not bear sitting in the house any longer, so I decided to go outside and sit on the porch. I opened the door and a light breeze welcomed me to the outdoors. I took a seat in one of my rocking chairs and began to soak in the wonderful sun and the beautiful outdoors. The flowers were a welcoming rainbow and a change from the ivory walls of my house. I was still appreciating the beautiful springtime when I noticed that the house across the street had become occupied while I was recuperating.

I carefully walked across the street and gently knocked on the door. I stood there for what seemed like about a minute and was about to knock again. Just when I was, an older lady answered the door. She looked to be in her eighties and had the prettiest white hair on her head.

"Hi! My name is Karmen, and I live across the street," I said smiling brightly at the old lady. She smiled back just as brightly and stepped out on her porch.

"Well, hello Karmen. I'm Henrietta. Her voice was very strong for someone her age.

"Well, it's so nice to meet you Ms. Henrietta. I will be home for another week before I return to work, so I will hopefully be able to keep you company."

"That will be just lovely dear," Ms. Henrietta said, still smiling beautifully.

Ms. Henrietta and I spent the rest of my leave time together enjoying the beautiful spring weather. When I was well again, I would visit her and help her with her chores. I learned she was all alone and had no family to help her. We became great friends, and I loved her messages of wisdom she bestowed upon me.

A year had passed, and I considered Ms. Henrietta to be one of my very best friends. I walked over for my morning visit and knocked on the door. I knocked again, and she still hadn't appeared. She had given me a key to her home because she said I was the daughter she never had; so I let myself in. I checked her living room and then her kitchen. I finally went into her bedroom, and she was lying peacefully in her bed. I went to her bedside and wept, yet I was happy. I knew she was at peace, but I would miss her dearly.

Ms. Henrietta's memorial service was beautiful. I will miss her dearly, but every spring I look at the beautiful flowers and remember the wonderful friendship the blossomed that joyous spring. I am no longer sad she is gone; I am forever happy that I was graced by her presence.