#42, Maudelle.

Maudelle was a sweet old lady with an afro that had gone white who lived across the street from us and who was always running for city council (and winning!). The bench in front of her house is one of the most magical places in the world. It sits under a birch tree with its white bark and powerful catkins. Maudelle's house sat in the background of this tableau, and my memory has her on the peeling front porch, holding on to the railing and waving and smiling into the sun. She was like a benevolent presence, always radiating.