Page 26 - You can't Make This Shit Up!

Seeds
August 31, 2017
John Chapman, often called Johnny Appleseed, was an American Pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as Northern Counties of West Virginia. -Wikipedia
I have had a pretty amazing summer thus far. I have been so fortunate to travel and meet up with old and new friends. I saw my very best friend from Kindergarten, Mandy Maiwald, in Florida. We realized it had been over 30 years since we last laid eyes on one another.
Mandy was the tallest girl in kindergarten. I was the shortest. She had a sister who was 10 years older, so when we played at her house it was like she was an only child. We would go to the roller rink on Wednesdays. I had white skates with big red pompoms, and I wore a red leotard with a wrap
skirt. Mandy and I would make up routines. Dips and backwards skating was involved. I would also go watch her take horseback riding lessons. We played with barbies and crutches. Highlights of playing with Mandy, going into the drug store to buy her mom cigaretettes. We were ridiculous.
Mandy’s dad was a big handsome German man who was a butcher. He loved when we would scratch his head or rub his feet. He would bring home exotic meats from his butchery and I loved eating dinner at Mandy’s house. This little Jewish kid had hamsteak and tried sweet bread! (it was not a dessert bread, they lied). Apparently in kindergarten, after feasting on a meal at the Maiwalds, I asked her mom, Sylvia, for her white rice recipe.
Mandy’s mom Sylvia was MY adult. That adult, outside your family, that loves
you. Unconditionally. With her whole heart. She let Mandy and I have sleepovers in her bed, took us to the beach all summer long, and always said “I love you” to me. She passed away last year. I cried.
Seeing Mandy was emotional, and amazing. Miles and Years had separated us, yet I would know her anywhere. My first real school friend.
I have lived on both Coasts. I have made so many friends in my life. Each person who has touched my life has made me who I am. I feel really blessed that I can go back to my childhood friends and still feel a connection instantly.
I have planted so many seeds of love and friendship. I am humbled that so many took such deep roots.