Fall With Virginia

Fall With Virginia

As Virginia made her way through the park she paused to rest on anear by bench. Looking back she sadly realized that she hadn't taken very many steps from her starting point. As she looked down the path she could see the young woman waiting a few benches down. Virginia did not recognize the young woman but she knew she had an appointment with her and Virginia always kept her appointments.

The young woman watched as Virginia made her way slpwly down the path. When Virginia finally reached the young woman she looked out of breath. Virginia stuck her hand out as an introduction, "hello my name is Virginia Davenport, I believe we have an appointment, please forgive me for being so late." The young woman stood and tenderly took Virginia's hand in her own. "That's ok Mrs. Davenport I jsut got here myself. My name is Sophie and it is a pleasure to meet you."

Sophie watched as Virginia sat down on the bench. "I beg your pardon Sophie but can you tell me why we are meeting today?" Virginia asked. Sophie took a moment to choose her words carefully. "Well Mrs.Davenport I love to come to this park and watch the leaves change, and I heard that you also like to watch the leaves change so I thought that we could sit and visit and watch together." Virginia smiled at her younger companion and then sadly looked off into the disatnce,"I used to come here with my Joseph this is our favorite time of year. We would sit for hours and watch the leaves. We would also sit and watch the children play. I miss my Joseph." A single tear ran down Sophie's cheek as she listened to Virginia reminisce about her happy times with her family. "That must have been a very special time for you." Sophie said with a smile. "It was" replied Virginia. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about my Joseph. I miss him every second of the day." Fighting back the lump that was forming in her throat, Sophie reached over and gently patted Virginia's hand. " Do you have any children Mrs. Davenport?" Virginia paused for a moment as if she was thinking about the question or maybe even thinking about the answer. After a few moments she looked at Sophie and said "why yes Joe and I have three beautiful children, two girls and a boy. We are so proud."

The two women sat in silence for the better part of an hour. Finally after moments of silence Virginia turned to Sophie and said "well my dear I best be going. It seems to be getting late and I am rather tired. It has occurred to me in the past couple of weeks that I seem to be getting tired more easily these days." Sophie just smiled and responded kindly "allright Mrs. Davenport, I'll see you next week."

As Sophie watched Virginia disappear into the distance she sat and thought about her own childhood. As she sat there reminiscing, her cell phone began to ring. Recognizing the number she answered the phone immediately. "Hello Aunt Emily, how are you? That's great. Yes I saw her today. Your right Grandma doesn't recognize me, but that's ok. Because one day she will remember me even if it's for a breif moment. We still have time. Don't worry I won't get my hopes up. I like just sitting with her. Besides this is our favorite time of year.