#10, Barbara.

Barbara. You and your husband (Joe) actually stopped to offer me a ride when i was late for work one day. I was a sweaty, angry, "goth" girl, and you were a pleasant, plump, older couple with the nicest smiles i had ever seen. Completely taken aback, and disarmed, i climbed in. You said you'd recognized me from the flower shop and were heading up that way. I was so grateful, and from then on we were great friends. You would often come by and see me while Joe parked the car, with your somewhat struggling gait, wearing color-coordinated outfits and smelling of powder and perfume. You always had such lovely lapel pins, and one day i complimented you on a particular one, a bee. You immediately began to unpin it, to give it to me. I protested, but you were firm. I wore it all that day, and in the days since, i have worn the dozen or so others that you gave to me over the few years we lived in the same city. You always said that you saw a kindred spirit in me, and i couldn't agree more. I hope you are well. Thank you (both) for everything.