Count Down Continues-Mrs. Edna Berry

We have a lot of really great neighbors, but there is one who stands out and that is Mrs. Berry. She is our 87 year old next door neighbor. When we first moved onto the block our neighbors on the other side and several across the street came and introduced themselves and then warned us about Mrs. Berry and her parking spot. We all have quirks and Mrs. Berry is no exception. Hers is her parking spot. If anyone parks in front of her house she (within 2 minutes) has a note taped to the windshield notifying the driver that she needs this spot for her family and friends. You see Mrs. Berry does not own a car, but she lives alone and wants to make sure any guest of hers would have a parking spot. Sure enough when we first met Mrs. Berry she said, "Hi I'm Edna Berry. I am a Baptist, but my daughter is a Mormon." (side note-everyone introduces themselves in reference to their religion. I could tell you where everyone on my block goes to church because that was one of the first things they ever told us about themselves) After giving us the essentials she then began to explain that the area in front of her house was for her family and friends and she would appreciate it if we would not park there. We didn't mind since we had a driveway and didn't want to upset her since she seemed like a nice elderly lady who was just a little lonely for company.
Since our first meeting she has become endearing to us. She absolutely adores Jared and Anna. She remembers their Birthdays with a present. She brings them an Easter basket every Easter and a Christmas gift every Christmas. She makes a special Halloween goodie bag for them when they go trick or treating and several times a week after asking me, "Have the children had their ev'nin meal?" (very southern accent) she gives the kids some candy. She says she loves to watch them when they play outside because "they lift her up." She has always said she hoped she would die before we ever moved away. The kids and I made a special trip to her house a few months ago to let her know we were moving. It was hard for her, but true to that old southern pride she took a deep breath and said, "God wills us and we follow." She is really an amazing lady and we will miss her like I'm sure she will miss us.