Interviewers Note:

Getting to know this person was a great delight. She’s extremely kind and caring, and always nice to be around. She cares for all those around her, and loves and values her family a great deal. She loves to talk about them, and share their successes and happiness.

Life

I had a very good childhood. My cousins lived on the same street as me. I was very friendly with my cousins. They were basically my best friends. In high school, a lot of my cousins were in the same school, so we were naturally friends. We hung out a lot. That’s what I miss. You know, one lives in Florida now. You know, they don’t live near here anymore. And I miss that. My family was very close. My mother’s sister’s all live near her, and their families too. You know. Like New Year’s Eve and stuff like that. They would party together. We had alleyways and, as kids, we used to look in the alleyway. Watch them. We saw one of my aunts who had a lamp put on her head. And in the summer, my uncle had a pickup truck, and all of our cousins would get in a pickup truck. And go to this place. It’s called Frank’s farm. Our parents would pack us lunch and stuff. There’s a swimming pool there. It was just a lot. We just had a lot of fun. Yeah. I don’t think kids do that anymore.

In my teenage life, I was popular. You can see that trophy. I was Miss City College. I think the most fun I had was my high school years at Forest Park. Boy, I wasn’t a really good student. I went to work after I graduated. I think it’s a secretary somewhere. My older sister was very smart in school. I think my younger sister was too. But I got by. Yeah. It wasn’t long after I graduated that I got married. Well. Been married four times, I never divorced, they died. They were all wonderful. My husband and I would take a cruise every so often. And we loved it. You get all dressed up for dinner. It really was a good life. I enjoyed being on the boat and the food most. My favorite dish was shrimp. At this point in life, it’s very lonely. And that’s why I think I’m so depressed here, because no one is coming to visit. They all have lives. As they should. And we all get old.

Kindness

To other people, I would want them to be kind to my family. I just try to treat people like I would like to be treated. Some of the people are nasty. And mean. Just treat people like you would want them to treat you and your family. You know, sometimes you see people be mean. It’s not necessary. Doesn’t hurt to be nice to people. A lot of people need to figure that out.

The important things in life

I used to be so concerned with the way I looked. Now, I just take my naps. Yeah, the most important thing in life, naps. I came to this realization when I realized I’m probably gonna die. I’m not gonna leave. For a short amount of time, this is where I’m gonna be.

Race

Race is just not important to me. You would be surprised how racist people are and not only white people. Oh, they all want to stick together. It’s like, if you ask me. If someone is white or black, I can’t tell you half the time. I don’t even think about it. When I went to stay for the weekend with my grandmother I’d see all my friends down there. They come down the street, they go, oh, there’s our cracker friend. And I would say oh yeah there is my chocolate milkshake.

Loved ones

I’m grateful for my family, and everything that they’ve done for me. I have one daughter that really kinda takes care of me, which is nice. And there’s a lot of nice people. It’s very nice. I miss my dog. They’re so loyal, and they see you. They’re so happy. And just content to be next to you. They see you come home and they’re so excited. It’s a good feeling.

Very grateful to have the family that I have,

Anonymous