These Are Her People

When Elliott got out of the Army last year, they bought a home in Low Moor, Iowa -- a little town about 10 minutes north of us. So it is WONDERFUL to have my grandchildren within striking distance...they can stop in for a quick lunch...it doesn't always have to be a big deal special occasion...

Recently, her parents were on a trip -- so it was my job to get Lillian on the Noon school bus.

No problem.

Except that -- I realized she hadn't eaten lunch.  What kind of Grandma doesn't feed a child LUNCH?  I decided to stop at the one little convenience store so she can get some crackers or a cupcake...

We walked into the Low Moor Mini-Mart, and Lilly skipped to the bakery rack, waving and saying "Hello, Carrie" to the woman behind the counter -- who, in turn, greeted her by name...

We sat at the outside picnic table for our snack/lunch. Then we walked one block to the Post Office because Lilly had some thank-you notes to send. Thanks to my cousin Jackie -- Lillian has been working for weeks on her BIG MAIL PROJECT for most of the summer...

She especially loves coloring pictures for people...

I told her we could put her letters in the box on the sidewalk -- but she wanted to go inside. She ran up to the window with a greeting of "Hello, Cecelia." Lilly proudly handed her three envelopes to the woman, who said, "You're early today, Lilly. The bus won't be here for another 20 minutes..."

Lilly replied, "I know. My Grandma Rita can't help it. She is ALWAYS early..."

When the bus arrived, Lillian went up the steps with a big smile on her face, saying, "Hi, Dan!"...and the bus driver told her she looked pretty today.

I was stunned by how comfortable Lillian is in this little town. THESE ARE HER PEOPLE. At the age of four, she knows their names and they know hers. Hey -- Low Moor Iowa is no different than any other little town in America. There are good people wherever you go. And bad people. Rich and poor. Happy and sad. That's the way of the world. There are empty store fronts, very few jobs, and if you believe the rumors -- a meth lab on every block. But, all in all, I think Elliott's little family has landed in a very good place.  As long as nobody tries to mess with Sophie...