My friend, Lou, had decided to dispose of some dolls her grown daughter no longer could use. We went to visit a lady who belongs to the Doll Society to see if she knew anyone who might be interested in owning the dolls. We really enjoyed seeing her collection.
One of the dolls was dressed in a beautiful white lace christening dress and a little cap. The doll had no real value. Lou was only asking $5, so I bought it from her. I thought about giving it to my granddaughter but she has all the dolls she wants. So, I offered it to the little girl whose home had burned down. As it happens, she was never much into owning dolls so I just put it on my couch. I thought at some point I might take the lace off and use it in making cards.
Several months later, an elderly couple and their middle-aged daughter moved into a house just up the street. As I rode by on my scooter to take some card stuff to Donna #2, I saw them sitting on their front porch. I decided to stop and introduce myself because I can only meet neighbors when they are outside. She invited me in but I had to explain that I could not do so because she has no ramp.
But, the next time I saw them out, I gave each of them a handmade “welcome to the neighborhood card.” Donna came over while I was visiting and we met the husband/father. It had just happened that I read the article in the paper about the local family who went to visit relatives in Cuba. This couple was originally from Havana, so I took the copy to them.
Just as Donna has, they have traveled a bit so there was quite a conversation taking place. I heard the daughter ask Donna if she had an extra doll. Donna explained that she had two sons, so she never bought any dolls. The mentally-challenged young lady wanted a doll and I immediately thought of the one lying on my couch waiting to be loved. I excused myself and scooted down to grab the doll and take her back to my new friend. She was so surprised and happy that she immediately wanted to hug me and tell me how much she loves me.
I was so touched by her excitement and realized God had helped Lou find a home for the doll! They have invited me in for dinner, but I had to make them understand that I cannot stand or walk. I rarely cook for visitors anymore so I couldn’t return the invitation. I don’t have enough outdoor chairs and I’m not sure the elderly lady could get around in my yard. My flowers have been beautiful so I offered them a crape myrtle that had volunteered last year. I had already had several dug and potted. They have one nice white one so I was glad to find a home for the pretty little colored one.
I feel God had his hand in this just as he did the day I met Debbie when she was outside in her yard about 10 years ago. (Debbie was the neighbor who came here and taught me how to make cards before she moved away.)
In his word, God tells us to “love our neighbors” and as in many other things, he has blessed me with some great neighbors. My next door neighbor is a great big hunk of a man and has helped me in so many ways! I have lost count of the times when he has helped me out of first one predicament or another. I grew up in the little mill village of Yadkin and was able at that time to visit in and out of homes with unlocked doors. I cleaned house and ironed for two ladies and they helped me with some of my school expenses, especially during my senior year.
It is hard for me to say who my best friend is, but I continue to be amazed at how many friends this shy young girl now has. There is also the joy I receive when strangers stop me and say how much my stories have meant to them. Some folks are not aware that my first book, “My Sanctuary,” is available in the Rowan Public Library. One new friend said she bought it from Amazon.com
These new neighbors are from a different religious denomination and we discussed some of those differences but I told her I hoped we could still be friends. As it turns out, I have not seen them back outside, probably due to the heat, but if it is part of God’s plan, we will meet again.
Call Linda at 704-278-9355 or email lindainthecards@gmail.com