A sweet Easter surprise

When Jody and her granddaughter deliver a treat-filled Easter basket to her new neighbor, she never imagined it would lead to an unexpected new connection.

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Can we make a basket for the girls who live next door?” Jody’s 6-year-old granddaughter, Cassie, asked, examining the four Easter baskets wrapped in cellophane that sat on the table. “I saw her on the swing in her yard.” Jody knew Cassie was attempting to figure out which basket was for her.

“I think that would be a very nice thing to do,” Jody agreed. She hadn't met her neighbors yet, who moved in a few weeks ago. Jody also saw the girl, who appeared to be about Cassie’s age, on a swing that hung from a big tree.

They pulled out some coloring books, crayons and sidewalk chalk from a bin.

Jody always keeps supplies handy to entertain her grandkids. They assembled a basket, added some goodies and homemade Easter egg treats. Then they headed out to meet the family next door.

To her surprise, a man with silver hair and eyes the color of deep blue answered the door. The fine lines scattered around his eyes, mouth and face revealed that he was near Jody’s age.

“Hello, I’m Jody. I live next door. Welcome to the neighborhood. We brought a basket for...” She paused, not knowing whether the very good-looking man standing in front of her was the girl’s father or grandpa.

“My granddaughter,” he offered with a smile.

Relieved, Jody smiled. A girl with brown curls appeared next to him. Cassie handed her the basket and introduced herself. “Hi. My nana lives next door.”

The girl’s face beamed. “Thank you. I’m Hannah. Want to dye eggs with us?”

“Can we?” Cassie looked at Jody, waiting for permission.