From Mamaw’s house, I can see Jeanette’s mountain. I like to stand on the big rock and sing the songs that come down from there. I want to be a singer when I grow up, just like Karen Carpenter and Olivia Newton John.

I climb Jeanette’s mountain every morning before school to reach the bus stop. The curvy, steep path isn’t easy to climb, and sometimes I slip on the dew-covered grass. But there are beautiful morning glories along the way, sometimes just opening up. I like the way they're connected to the same vine. The pink and purple ones are my favorite.

I’m usually running late for school, but when I’m not, I watch Captain Kangaroo and then go to Jeanette’s house early; even before the boys get up. When I get there, I have to tiptoe through the girls' dark room without talking. Uncle Tim’s band picture is in there; I like his uniform. I want to play the drums some day, just like Uncle Tim. (Mom calls Uncle Tim my cousin, but cousins are little kids. Uncle Tim is in high school.)

Jeanette makes the best pancakes and homemade syrup… with butter melted in. She always shares breakfast with me when I get there early. I wish I could taste that sweet, buttery syrup every day. I think it's the yummy smell that wakes everyone up. Jeanette doesn’t talk much, but she has a beautiful smile; only kind people smile like her. I go to church with Jeanette sometimes and she teaches me about Jesus. I bet Jeanette talks to Jesus even when she’s not at church. I bet that’s why she’s so kind.