Friday, November 18, 2022
My condolences to Brenda, Linda, Tracy, and all of Dorothy’s loved ones. She was so fortunate to have you caring for her until the very end.
“l remember the first time I met Dorothy. Mom had stopped in to pick her up at her home in Willowbank. We were only there a short time mostly outside exploring. We were so excited to see a small country store that was almost next door. We rarely got to go into a store, and we really wanted to go. Like most kids we had no money. We ran into the house feeling hopeful that mom might give us some money. Before mom could respond Dorothy gave Penny and I each three pennies “for penny candy” she said. I remember mom smiling and nodding to our excited ask “Could we please, please go to the store?” She told us to be quick as they were ready to leave. We ran out the door and quickly across the vacant yard - I think that there was a roll of small cabins at the back of the yard with a dirt driveway in front of them. I remember entering the store feeling so excited and happy. Being allowed to go and to go by ourselves was a real special thing. I remember being overwhelmed with the candy choices, the colors, the shapes, and sizes. While choosing was hard we knew we had to be quick. We selected penny candies (5 for one cent). We each got our candies placed in the smallest paper bags. We gripped them and ran out the door. Dorothy and mom were in the car outside the store waiting for us. Dorothy jumped out of the car with the biggest smile and opened the door for us. I thought about this every time I saw her. I am sure she knew just how special the experience was for us. As a bestie, Dorothy partnered with mom to give Penny and I a new and meaningful experience of independence. An experience that I repeated with my grandchildren. “
Two strong and at times stubborn women figuring out how to trust, how to connect and how to be in relationship as they navigated their time on this planet. I am so very appreciative of the rare and precious friendship they weaved. I know mom is feeling the loss of her very dearest friend.
Dawn Knapton
