The two Ellas

About two and a half weeks ago, my sister, her husband, and their daughter were dining at a sidewalk cafe in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, when an elderly woman approached their table. "I have something to give to your little girl," she said. She cupped her hands and extended them toward my niece. "Brrrr twee-twee brrrr. Here is a bird for you."

There was something in the voice, the face, and the musical quality of the bird call that my sister thought she recognized. She asked the woman if she was Ella Jenkins. She was. And she was kind enough to have her picture taken. Here they are -- Ella Jenkins (on the left) and Ella, my niece:



Ella Jenkins celebrated her 83rd birthday this past Monday. Happy birthday, Ella!