Angie has been our backyard neighbor for 4 years now. They have a two-story house and her bedroom was on the top floor so she could see right into our back yard. Everytime we were in the yard or the windows were open you could count on Angie having a conversation with you.
Angie is 39 years old but mentally that of a small child. She would roam the neighborhood either on foot or on her bike, nearly getting hit by cars quite frequently. We have always tried to be really good to her, and patient with her and so created quite the bond with us - she was always bringing her bike over for Dave to fix, or just dropping by to say "hi" - when she was upset or hurt she would come find me for a love or a hug.
The week before Thanksgiving her Mom passed away - she had lived with her Mom and StepDad all this time and has no other family around. The state was not able to find a home for her after about a week and a half, so we got the priviledge (with the help of some of our neighbors ) of taking care of Angie for most of that time. She would come over in the morning and eat breakfast, I would get her showered, pack her a lunch and send her home for a few hours and then she would return to have dinner with us later in the day, usually staying for a bit to play. I'm embarrassed to say that in the past I've often seen Angie as in intrusion in my life, but this last little while has shown me how important she has been to me and my family - she has always been such a good friend and loved us unconditionally.
Angie is currently staying with a State Certified family in Payson and will most likely be moving to a more permanent home in Provo next week. We plan to keep in contact with her as much as we can and keep her as part of our family. We are all going to miss her, but are so glad that now she is being taken care of and being watched over.
5 comments:
I appreciate your example of giving of your time to someone in need. Sometimes it's the hardest to give. I'm glad that she had you!!!
I always admired you for how patient you always were with Angie. She was meant to have you guys as neighbors!
You make me feel bad for not being more patient with her. Just before she left, I saw her without a jacket, and I was going to go give her a sweatshirt of mine that I thought she would like (with Tinkerbell on it), but I never saw her again. Now I feel bad I wasn't more charitable. Keep us updated on the situation.
This really is an emotional story. You guys are so sweet. She has been so lucky to have you guys as friends.
We love Angie too. It will be so different going to your house and not having her around. Let us know what we can do. I mean it.
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