Fragile yet Fearless...

I wanted to pay tribute to a special friend of mine, Violet Mitchell, who sadly passed away this month.

Violet was a lady in every sense of the word. She was lovely with eyes that twinkled like stars - eyes that took you in and loved the sight of you. She always had a smile on her face. She was so soft and always smelt so good. She seemed fragile....like she would break if you hugged her too tight. (Believe me, you would have wanted to squeeze her tight.)

Always quick to say, "Thank you, hon" if you did anything for her. When you told Violet something, such as: "We have new fish in the aquarium", her face would light up and her response would always be, "You don't mean it." Loved that!

Looks were decieving when it came to Violet. She appeared fragile, frail - and in many respects she was, but she could hold her own. She had spunk and a fight that amazed and impressed me.

About a year ago, a local animal park owner brought a variety of animals for the residents to see. Snakes, turtles, spiders, an alligator, etc. Most of the residents tried the "look but don't touch" method. Not Miss Violet....she held every animal and loved every minute of it. A smile from ear to ear. Eyes so bright from pure joy of the moment. She held that alligator and let the handler wrap that python around her neck - trust me, she was the only one "in line". Violet had moxy!

I will miss Violet. I always looked forward to seeing her, hugging her, telling her "I love you" and watching the affect that had on her. Getting that smile and being loved by those eyes. I wish I had known Violet while she was in her prime. I have no doubt she was an amazing everything....wife, mother, grandmother. She is the type of woman you want to snap green beans with on the back porch.

I loved her.....I love her. She will never be forgotten by me. Her picture is on my kitchen counter reminding me why I do what I do every day.

Violet often said, "I wish the Lord would just go ahead and take me on home." Well, you might have waited longer than you wanted, but you're home now Violet.

How about we meet at that Pearly Gate when it's my time to come home? Then I know I will be able to squeeze you tight!

Until then, lady.

AKM