Who I met this week

I met Annie, and Wanda, and David.

Annie...
was a little woman I encountered pushing a cart of roses at Stutzman's (stutzmans.com). She had 3 to 5 roses along with some other flowering beauties. Annie stood about 4 feet tall and made me feel like Amazon woman. I loved that feeling and now know how my sisters feel standing next to me. I pushed her cart up the ramp and was surprised at how heavy it was. After checking her out (no, taking her money for the roses...I don't check out little old ladies), I helped her to her car. I asked who was in charge of the shovel once she got home. Her response: "Well, I guess I am. I'm the only one there." This really surprised me because she seemed so old (to be blunt). I then had to know; couldn't live without knowing. "Ma'am, I must be rude and ask: How old are you?" She looked (up) at me at grinned. "I'm 90 and a half. My birthday is July 25."

I learned she was born south of Oklahoma City, had 8 siblings, and her mother died at 107. She lives approximately 41 miles from Stutzman's and had driven herself there, perched on a pillow placed on her car seat!

She was a tough lil thing and I can only wish that I could keep up with her on a good day.

Wanda...
Is an Amish convert. She loves to cook and brings cookies into the greenhouse to share. Just because. I learned that Wanda was born to a "prostitute". Not sure if she was a bonafide working girl or a substance addicted woman who performed favors for fixes. I believe there is a difference. Wanda was removed from her mother and placed in a home. She was ultimately adopted by a family whose father was a writer and wrote about the Amish community. Wanda become enthralled with this life and now lives it completely. Bless her and the chance she was given.

David...
Is a good looking young man who came in buying veggie plants. I didn't have much time to visit with him but happened to get his number to call for eggs! He turned me on to a place where I can buy fresh milk for $2.00 a gallon. WOW! David is a young farmer with 9...NINE kids!! He didn't look old enough to secure a license to handle explosives.

And the unknown...
A young Amish mother was in with her 4 kids buying 2 packets of seeds. Her kids were so extremely well behaved and I complimented her on that. I was struck with how she spoke to them - as though everything they had to say was worth hearing. She treated them as young people. She thanked me for the compliment and noted it was a good reminder not to take their behavior for granted. I mentioned that I have three step kids and frequently forget the "patience" part of their childhood. Upon leaving she gave me a blessing that brings a little salt to the eyes. She said, "My you have a blessed evening with your family". Laying in bed that night it occurred to me that we had a very peaceful evening with the kids. Her blessing worked. I hope I see her again to thank her.