Free Letters From Al by Kathleen Pieper

chatted and she asked for directions to the place where she thought she would find the help she was looking for. Tim was happy to oblige.
    "Okay, Tim said it wouldn't be hard to find. A mile north and two miles east, or was that vice versa. Oh, nuts, I wish I wasn't directionally challenged." She was hopeless when it came to directions. "'Find the church,' he said, 'it was close to the church.'" Speaking the words aloud helped and on the next road her tires left pavement and crunched on a gravel drive leading to the gates of the cemetery.
    The tall iron gates stood closed but not locked and creaked loudly when Maddy pushed them open. She walked down the gravel drive. The local cemetery and little church her aunt had attended looked as quaint as the rest of the town.
    An old oak tree stood on the gently rolling hill that looked down on the town. Here a simple granite stone identified her aunt's final resting place.
     
    Madeline A. O’Keefe
    Born April 4, 1919
    Died December 23, 2010
    A Friend to all
     
     
    A scroll design and spray of flowers was carved and entwined with her name. Maddy stood silently, tears squeezing out from her tightly closed eyes.
    A tenderness and respect she hadn't felt since her parent's deaths enveloped her. These strong feelings were hard to understand about someone she only vaguely knew. A great sadness overcame her and she sat down on a small, cement bench nearby. The day turned warm, a gentle breeze rustled the oak branches overhead and caressed her as if someone were stroking her hair. She lifted her head to the warmth and sighed, taking out the envelope Leland Lancaster had given her. Carefully she opened it and began to read.
     
    My Dear Maddy :
    Throughout your life I have followed you growing up. Your parents were good enough to allow me to do that and also live the way I wished, away from the Morris family. I chose not to depend on anyone except myself after my husband died.
    Your parents understood my reasons for leaving everything to you, my namesake. There are some things of value. My house and the money left in my accounts should help support you. Go through my personal things and dispose of them as you see fit. The thought of strangers touching my things would distress me greatly. .
    I have lived a good life and loved my friends and this small town I called home. That is my real wealth. And to you, the daughter I never had, I want you to know I loved you from afar. I remain, lovingly yours,
     
    Madeline Morris O’Keefe
     
    P.S. Do not be angry with your parents for not telling you I was in touch with them. I did not wish to interfere in your busy life.
     
    Maddy's hands shook as she read the paper. She sat up straight and sighed, the letter crumpled in her lap. So many things made sense after reading this. Her parents had told her the many little gifts and books she received on holidays were from her 'secret admirer.'
    "Oh, Aunt Madeline, you must have been so lonely at times without your family." Maddy said softly, sadly.
    "She never acted lonely. Sometimes just a little sad is all." Maddy sighed and recognized Alec's voice, but she didn't jump this time.
    "Your friend at the gas station tell you were I was?"
    Maddy guessed, as he sat down next to her on the small bench and leaned forward, staring at the headstone.
    "I shouldn't divulge my sources, but, yes."
    Alec's shoulder touched hers and he smiled down at her, "I was going to say I just happened to be driving by."
    She leaned back against, keenly aware of his presence.
    "Sure, you were." Then she smiled sadly and closed her eyes, knowing he was amused by her.
    "Old Tim sure appreciated the tip you gave him. He goes to school nights and every penny counts. That was nice of you."
    "He earned it. The sign said "No Full Service" and I got full service. He even washed my windows and checked the oil and it's only a rental." Maddy had been impressed.
    "Well, consider it Midwestern values. Give the customer a good job and he, or