Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Esther, aka Mrs. Wilson, was a HUGE part of my upbringing. As they say, it takes a village, and the Wilson household was a part of my village. Mrs. Wilson was amazing in so many ways, first and foremost, having all of the neighborhood playing in and around her house, ALWAYS!
She was an incredible gracious, patient and generous mother (usually with food and root beer) and the family she made was a cornerstone of my growing up Philly! As my parents were from Massachusetts and Virginia, I always honor them for my Philly attitude, my love for pizza, root beer, cheesesteaks, hoagies and Butterscotch Krimpets. I still tell people how awesome I thought they were when they got Charlie Chips delivered to their door in a metal can. What?
Whether it be the holidays when all of the Aunts, Uncles and cousins came to visit or just a regular day, I ALWAYS felt like I was a part of their family. My heart has always been taken care of by them and Mrs. Wilson's demeanor was one of a Saint at times with all of us running around, climbing trees and playing some sort of ball in the front yard. God Bless!.
I can’t leave out the vacations to the Jersey Shore. What a true gift for me to be included and to be a part of your family even on vacation.
I take the gift of the way she cared for her family and the way she spread the love to the other children on the block.
I only have warm feeling remembering her, and will forever be in her debt, as she made me feel like I belonged.
I have tried to emulate her in bringing up my children and welcoming their friends as if they were my own. I could never do her justice but it was nice to have someone to aspire to be.
Down Easy Esther, know that you were loved dearly by a little girl who needed someone to see her, and you did!
I will love you forever!
