Monday Memories: Mrs. Walker

I didn't know Mrs. Walker very well. She lived across the street from my familial home, down a very long, tree covered driveway that had a very spooky and mysterious aura about it. The driveway went past the Johnson's house and they kept a vicious German shepard who would attack, so going to visit Mrs. Walker was not easily done, unless you wanted to be chased by the dog.

Once you got to the end of the very long driveway and braved the spookiness of the trees, you would arrive at a little house, more like cottage, tucked inside a stand of trees that to me was The Forest. Mind you I was less than 5 years old during this visit I recall having with her.

Mrs. Walker was a typical elderly lady, living alone, but she did have the Johnson family who looked out for her. I believe she had been married, her husband having died many years before. I don't think she had any children. All I know is that she was old. Older than my own grandparents. Older than the neighbor lady, Roberta, with whom I would frequently visit.

I recall during this visit that was made with my sister and brother, that Mrs. Walker talked to them more than me, as I was a shy child, and I really was afraid of old people back then. I wish I had paid better attention to what she talked about. Looking back on it now, I think she would have been a great resource for local history. She had lived in her cottage house for many years and had witnessed many changes.

Her house was typical "old lady" in that it was filled with things that young children weren't permitted to touch. By no means would she have been mean to me if I had broken something. She was soft-spoken, kind, gentle.

If I could travel back in time I'd like to redo that afternoon with her, be more aware of what was going on, not be so afraid, and ask her as many questions as my mind could generate.

And I have no idea what her first name was. I just knew her simply as Mrs. Walker.