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1 of 4 At 9, my neighbour-become-dear-friend Jean (who is 87 now) was placed in an orphanage & separated too from her brothers. Her hair was shorn off after this photo. She remained there until a young woman. She received no love of any kind from her carers. 
2 of 4 As a young mother of 3 under-six, she'd no elders to help her raise them. Her beloved husband worked long hours. So when I almost died after birth of my first child, knowing I had none nearby either, she promised to stay healthy & give me a decade of support. Which she did
3 of 4 So much fun had: We made a scarecrow for my husband's birthday & in the wind it knocked bird-like Jeanie flying. A whole day making a wig for my girl out of braided wool. Jam almost made from something poisonous. My mum & she became friends too...
4 of 4 ...and now Jean's quiet time is come. And I look back & marvel all over again at how much joy she has given, when so little was given her to draw on. How happy she was once just to be given an ice lolly by me, look. These people exist. How beautiful they are.
