The return of an old friend

If you were reading here during the summer, you may recall the story of Margaret's lost black backpack, stolen from our unlocked car in downtown San Francisco on the Fourth of July. I replaced it immediately for a new red one. Margaret was overjoyed--yet somewhere, in the back of her mind, I know she always missed her black one. It had once belonged to her friend Stephanie and was sentimental.

Yesterday afternoon, after science class, Stephanie and her mother said they had a surprise for Margaret. Take a look at what was waiting for her in a shopping bag:

Stephanie's mother, my wonderful friend Patty, had been given the backpack during a vacation to Puerto Rico many years ago. She wanted to replace it for Margaret and called around to the group of people who had been on the trip with her to see if any of them still had one that was available. A friend said she just happened to see the backpack while taking out Christmas decorations a week or so ago and passed it along to Patty to give to Margaret as the PERFECT gift.

Is there anything more wonderful than the love of close friends? These pictures really do not capture Margaret's bouncy, happy, joyful surprise, but, as you can see, the moment did call for a quick dance between friends:

Comments

[Cheryl M.]

Such a wonderful friend Margaret has and that is a very stylish backpack indeed! But it's the tall girl with the beautiful hair that I cannot stop admiring! Have a wonderful day, Alice. :)

[Jennifer]

I'm with Cheryl! Her hair is amazing. And a wonderful story of good friends too, of course. :)

[Margaret]

I'm not sure what is better, the bag, Stephanie, or the story!!! ( =

[patience]

What a beautiful heartwarming story. And I see others have already commented about that fabulous posture and beautiful hair, so I feel quite justified in doing so too! Stylish, is the word that comes to mind, like the teenaged Anne Shirley.

[Meredith]

Oh my goodness, does it get any better than that! Joy of joys, it's Margaret's day today :)

[Cay]

Tell your daughter I want her hair... :)

[Beck]

Good news about the bookbag - but that HAIR! BEAUTIFUL!

[KC]

The hair was the what captured my attention too! It's gorgeous! And, that beautiful ballet pose. Beautiful story all around.

[Jeannine]

Now, that is a lovely backpack, but, moreover, what a superb fifth position!

[Leona]

WOW what a wonderful friend!
Also what beautiful hair Margaret has.

She shares my Mum name who is Margaret Gwendolyn but goes by Gwen but when I have to get her attention when I am talking to home on the computer I call her Margaret!!

I used to have my hair that long when I was a kid - must try and find a picture.