I Remember Alene

I will always remember Alene for she had the wandering eyes of blindness. As a child, I would stare at her eyes fascinated, and not a little scared. Alene was a kind, matter of fact lady. She always ended her sentences with “honey”, as in, “Can you hand me my cane, honey?” or “Please help me to the counter, honey.” I could not tell you what color Alene’s eyes were for her iris’ were glazed over with an opaque sheen, like thin clouds on a hazy day. Alene said that she could only see shadows and used her red rimmed cane to navigate. My mother took her grocery shopping often and I came along to help. Alene dressed plainly, but she always wore a bright colored scarf around her dull brown hair. She may have not looked attractive on the outside, but inside she was kind hearted and loving. Alene always appreciated everything others did for her, and always let them know it. She was not shy, but rather humble and respectful. Alene was just Alene... When I look back to my childhood, I would not trade one day with Alene for a thousand days with someone who was beautiful on the outside, but cold and selfish on the inside. Yes, I will always fondly remember Alene. Written on 5/2/2018