My grandmother did not smile for pictures. I’m not sure why. She smiled at us, her grandchildren in real life, except for when there were thunderstorms. Then, she would purse her lips and herd us all into her cedar closet where we would wait out the lightning.
When I came across a picture with my grandmother sporting a Hollywood smile, I could hardly believe it. But there it was. My grandmother grinning, her arm slung around her best friend, Miss Ruth.
Miss Ruth and my grandmother raised their babies together. Miss Ruth was there when my grandmother lost her youngest son in an airplane crash in the 40s.
This picture of my grandmother’s lifelong friendship is hanging on the wall of my study. It makes me happy.
It reminds me of what I know. Friendship is vital.
