Pearl

Sitting on a park bench and taking in the view, she's always got an eye out for the children, me and you, pestering our parents with a grumble or a pout. We cluster all around her, we call her 'Auntie Pearl,' to listen to her stories of when she was just a girl; tales of pinafores and mittens, lovely hats for Sunday best, patent leather shoes and stockings, turning out so smartly dressed! There were picnics and fun times down by the river when they'd walk two miles or more learning their rhymes. Riding in a carriage pulled by horses up and down the street, calling at a neighbor's house - there'd always be a treat! Taking presents to the homeless the day after Christmas Day, helping those who didn't have much food to eat, or games to play. She told us, "Listen to your folks and grow up big and strong, help others when you have the chance, and greet them with a song." One Saturday she didn't come to take her usual seat. We kids all clamored:"Where's Aunt Pearl? she made our day complete." Moms said: "She's telling stories to the angels now, it's true. She loves you all, and she's still watching over you."