I never forgot this sad story about Ann and her tragic loss. I couldn’t imagine the pain she’d had to bear all of those years.

So it was during our usual Sunday afternoon lunch after Mama came home from church that I was taken aback when Layla mentioned the “sad lady” at the store and Mama jumped in and said, “Y’all remember the story ‘bout Ann?”

Maggie said, “Yes, did something happen at the store?”

Mama said, “I’ll say!”

I said, “What happened?”

Mama, putting down her fork and clasping her hands, said, “Well, Ann she came in as usual to get her two red roses, and when she came to the counter Layla ran up to her out of the blue and tugged on her dress and said, ‘Why are you sad?’

Well, I’m not sure what she said but it sounded like, ‘Oh, sweet child.’ But the next thing that happened was she picked Layla up in her arms and held her tight and Layla she put her arms around Ann’s neck and held her too, and then Ann started to cry and cry and cry.”

Mama continued, “I witnessed this for a bit and then came around the counter and took Layla from her and then led Ann to the back to fetch her some hot tea. I put Layla down and she ran off to her toys in the playroom and then Ann sat at the table and said, ‘That child is an angel!’