When I moved to Front Royal almost 15 years ago into a quiet little established neighborhood the first person to come to welcome me was my across the street neighbor, Clara Larsen. She was friendly and warm and made me feel like I belonged.
Over the years Clara and I became really great friends. We had lots in common: the love of politics (even though our views were far apart) and art (she too is a painter). We would go to events together and sometimes just have a glass of wine at the end of the day.
Clara, who turned 92 on Monday, is moving today. I see the moving truck across the street as I type this. It’s a sad sight. She is delighted about the move and change. She is going to Elkton, Maryland to be nearer one of her sons. She’s excited about her new apartment, excited about meeting new people and the new adventure awaiting her there.
I am happy for Clara but sad for me. I will miss her so much. She’s been a surrogate mom and grandmom at times. But mostly she has been a best friend.
Photo by Sandra Patterson
I’ll miss seeing her out in front of her house pulling weeds or cutting flowers with her “bee bonnet” on and her floral garden boots that I gave her. She loves them. 
I’ll miss having lunch with her and friends where she told us such great stories of her interesting life. 
The Studio 