The Beginning

                                                                         

October 25, 2010

This is my dear friend, Art. Art passed away this

year. Art lived with Dementia.  Lorain died in 2006, after a long illness.  We'd been friends for about nine years.  Lorain was Arts' companion.  Both had been married, their spouses died and after several years, Lorain moved in with Art, so they wouldn't be alone.  Just friends.  Lorain called Art, Dad, Art called Lorain, Ma.  It was endearing.

It was 1997, Michael, my little six year old, saw a yard sale in the neighborhood and asked if He could go look.  It was new to me, to let him go about the neighborhood on his own, but I felt it was time to allow him to explore.  Soon, Michael came home and ask if he could have some money.  After a short explanation from Michael, I gave Him some money and He left to go purchase some treasures at the yard sale.  The rest is history.
Lorain, who never had her own children, fell in love with the little readheaded boy, with the two missing front teeth, and the charm of a gentleman. 
Soon, I went to meet the older couple, and realized I used to be the Avon Lady at this house, for Mary, who was Arts' wife and had passed away quit some time earler.  It is a small world........
Lorain explained to me, Michael had stolen her heart when she offered him a sucker.  Michael refused and explained He didn't have any money.  With a bit of coaxing from Lorain, Michael still refused the sucker, but insisted on going home to get some money.  He promised to return and accept the sucker, but not before Lorain agreed to hold onto a couple of items until Michael got back.  Needless to say, Michael was in a BIG hurry, when He came home to get some spending money.
The friendship between Lorain and Michael was special.  Michael contemplated their relationship, in a six year old way, and after some thought, decided He needed to have a name for Lorain.  Micheal asked me what I thought about calling her 'Grandma'.  I told Michael to take that up with Her, so He did.  Thereafter, Lorain was Grandma.  Art at this point, is still aloof to any time with Michael, but acknowledges the little redheaded boy, and offers Michael treats.  Now, the visits are more frequent, and I soon realize my other son, David, is going down to the house as well.  David is another darling redheaded boy, with a smile that can melt your heart.
This is where the story gets really special.  Art had a son named David, who died at seven years old, on his seventh birthday.  It was so heatbreaking for Art, He decided that was it!!  No more children.  My David, began to go visit Art and Lorain after Michael persueded him, because "they give you candy"!!!  When Art met David, it wasn't long before Art was 'Grandpa', to both boys.  Arts' eyes would always light up whenever David came over.  Now, Lorain and Art had grandchildren of their own.  Soon, there was Soda in the refrigerator.