May 17th Friday
..There are six girls/women in the house next door
It is adjoining
Last summer our fence was broken
It was virtually not a fence
The younger girls were in the garden almost constantly
Every day, that I was at home or in the garden, I would hear "Next door neighbour...", followed by a request
Most days I would cover their delicate and fair skin with sun protection cream, because I did not want to see them get burned in the sun - their mum was so busy, having just 'adopted' her teenage niece.
She manages everything on her own. Five girls and a dog and a household to run
They had a black labrador puppy (now a huge dog)
The second daughter reminds me very much of myself, at that age. She is spirited, sporty - horse riding, gymnastics etc tomboyish, pretty with a cascade of light freckles across her face, quietly confident. She usually wears a pony tail. When I look at her, I see myself - years ago. At times it is unnerving
Every day, that I was at home the little sisters and I would have a 'neighbourly chat'. Sometimes to get my attention they would ask me to go to look at some flowers, or drop something for me to pick up
One of the little ones reminded me of my paternal grandmother. Chatty and upbeat and physically similar. Her name is Libby and I remember taking her a bag of beautiful baby clothes when she was just born
Two days ago I was discussing their upcoming move, and the relief that it will be for them to have more space. Libby was wearing a Princess (Disney) dress, I think that she is four now
"We will miss you", she said. I was very touched. Children, and animals touch your soul in a way that really is beautiful, it is love
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