Years ago I heard a reference to “cookie people,” though I am unable to locate it now. The phrase described the people in a child’s life who, though not able to prevent harm from occurring, by providing nurture and comfort  mitigated the effects of abuse. I am about to begin a series of “cookie people” entries, some who fit the above definition and some who simply provided help and reassurance throughout my life. The series will focus on good neighbors who made a real difference in my life.

Yes, I have had my share of dreadful neighbors. It would be more entertaining in many instances to tell you about them. But at the moment, with such discord and anger afoot in the United States, I want to focus on the good. As St. Paul wrote, “ whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.“(Philippians)

I hope that as I share these reminiscences that my readers will reflect on their own “cookie people” and feel grateful. I also hope that readers will have a chance to think about the ways they have been “cookie people” for others, particularly children. I will use the full names of those who are no longer living. Even if they never get any formal recognition, their names will be lodged in the “cloud.”