Of Days Gone By 6p6x3f

Of Days Gone By

Ingrid Green Adams

Copyright © 2013 by Ingrid Green Adams.

ISBN:

Softcover Ebook

978-1-4797-6175-3 978-1-4797-6176-0

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

PART ONE:THE MEMORIES

Thanksgiving Reservations

My Father Removed

Five Years Removed

My Dream Must Never Die

Goodbye To 309

She Didn’t Come To Stay

Yes “In” You Will See Me Again

The Last Dance

”B.W.O.C.” (Big Woman On Campus)

Another Soldier Has Gone Home

Back To Destrehan

Where Have All The Elders Gone?

Knowing The Great But Not The Grand

You Made Our House A Home

I Now Feel What You Once Felt

I Tried To Give What You Gave

When My World Ceased To BE

Ode To Auntie

Thanks For The Memories: A Trip Down Memory Lane

PART TWO:THE MOMENTS

In Spite Of Who I Am

A Message From “Shawty”

I Write To Release The Pain

As Our Children Grow

If I Could Make Time Stand Still

Where Did Those Pigtails Go?

Here’s To The Class Of 1977

Just Dance Comets Dance!

Yes, It’s Your Party So Go On And Cry

With Love From Your Lil’side Kick

Becoming Teacher Of The Year

Thanks For The Moments

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

This book has truly been a labor of love as I have attempted to share some of the most precious memories and moments of my life with you, my readers.

First I want to thank God for all his goodness as I have completed another book of poetry.

As always, to my four lovely children, Ashaunta, Dee, Dana and Oliver, let me say thanks for all the moments we’ve shared for truly those moments are priceless. I look forward to future moments with each and every one of you.

Sincere thanks go out to my beloved Cousin Mr. Morris C. Wade. Mo, I appreciate all your and loyalty in completing this project.

This book has been dedicated to the memory of my Aunt and Godmother, the Late Mrs. Willietta B. Gilles who ed away in 2011. Auntie, I truly love and miss you. Thanks for all the memories we shared.

You will never be forgotten. Love, Your Niece, “IN”

Introduction

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time is but a vapor,” Yes, as quickly as a vapor appears it seems to drift quickly away. The same can be said of time for truly time waits for no one.

I feel our time here on earth is short, therefore, we must cherish all our memories and count our precious moments spent with our loved ones and friends.

Hence, this book of poetry evolved, expressing my feelings of time well spent in yester years of yesterday.

I hope this book inspires you to reexamine how you spend your time. Are you putting off spending time with loved ones? Missing a child’s game or program at school maybe? My message to you is to make your time count. Please don’t up these special invitations from your family and friends because these are the people, places, and things that form our precious memories and moments OF DAYS GONE BY.

HAPPY READING,

INGRID GREEN ADAMS

PART ONE

THE MEMORIES

Thanksgiving Reservations

IN MEMORY OF MY AUNT, THE LATE WILLIETTA B. GILLES

Yes, it’s another Thanksgiving Day and I just woke up to say, Thank you Lord for giving this day to me as no other could do, no, only thee. Thank you as I look back over many Thanksgiving days in my past, Oh such fond memories I have that will always last. They will last through out all eternity, As I all the love and holiday joy from my Auntie. That’s right on holidays such as this we always had a reservation To share at Auntie Willietta’s house we’d go without hesitation.

You see it was what she did and had come to love to do, And Auntie we truly enjoyed spending all those holidays with you. Our holiday time with you no it hasn’t come to an end, You may not be preparing all the food anymore but your place is still where we spend, Our holiday time just Ivy’s crew and mine, oh yes, it’ll always be, The same as our country’s eagle soaring through the sky so bold and carefree.

On holidays it’s your place that we gather oh yes it’s true, You know why we come together the way that we do? Auntie, it’s all, simply all because of you. You did it back in the day, You started where Grandma Gladys left off let me say. You told us I like having my family over at my house altogether for holiday food and fun, Told us this was your thing you enjoyed doing for each and every one,

Of us yes it’s true, And now on this Thanksgiving Day as I’m away from you let me tell you that I love you and miss our special time and special food as I’m so far away, But you I always do as my memories will carry me through to see another holiday. Yes, how could one forget your great stuffing or dressing you would make on holidays, Nope, none of us could ever forget that Auntie not on a month of Sundays, So you may have ed the cooking over to Ivy now and we truly understand, But let me set the record straight your house will always be our holiday meeting spot oh yes

that’s it for our clan, Where we sit and eat and eat and sit to talk and share all the night through, As only family, the young, the old, yah only family can do. As I begin this Thanksgiving Day, Miles away this year let me say, My life and many memories will always be treasured because of you, On holidays yes Auntie you’ve become a special part of our family’s history, it’s true, This was your appointed job in our family and we thank God for you, Let me close by simply saying you’re my Auntie, my mom’s only sister and my godmother at best, And no one can ever take your place in my heart so now Auntie you sit back and rest, And just enjoy this Thanksgiving Day and all the others coming your way, ‘Cause you paid your dues at holiday time through all of us back in the day! Love Always,

Your Niece,

Ingrid

Nov.25, 2010

My Father Removed

Dedicated to my Grandfather, the Late Alexander Bennett, III

Never grew up with my father although I really did, ‘Cause I grew up living with my grandpa when I was just a kid. Though we never had much but to me we had the world, ‘Cause I felt oh so loved by that man let me tell you about him girl. He was so good to me and to others as well, That’s why everyone in our town missed him when he ed on, yah I could tell, Even as a young kid folks really liked him and thought he was kind you see, Cause he was always cracking jokes and making the worst things in life seem oh so funny. He just had this way about handling all the toils and troubles of this here life, As though he had the answer for all of mankind’s heartaches and strife. Sometimes I’d sit on our front porch and listen to him sing, Yes, sing church hymns and other songs cause back then that was the sweetest

thing Back then just listening to him go on and on ‘bout life was enough for me, Always made me feel right proud that I was a part of his family tree. Gawd knows he was big on family and I’m glad he was too, Told my Mama to come back home after I was born said that’s what she oughta do, said he wanted his grandchild down here with him said that’s where she suppose to be, said down here in St. Rose with him on Second St. not up da country in D.C. Well St. Rose it was and I’m certainly glad she listened to him ya know, ‘cause in St. Rose I got to grow up and got to know and love my grandpa so. You know when you think about it, doesn’t matter if you’re blood related to someone, no not at all, As long as they make you feel right special and make you stand tall, As you look for them out in the crowd like on your graduation day, Doesn’t matter who was there as long as I could hear grandpa say, Happy to see you and happy to be there well yes oh most definitely, As I recall the morning of my 8th grade graduation he was as happy as can be.

Said he’d better make this one felt he wouldn’t be around to see me graduate at 12th grade though, I told him that was nonsense but somehow that statement made 8th grade graduation more special so, I was so happy to see him and oh yes I even cried you know, ‘cause he was my father removed who had loved me and watched me grow. Didn’t see my dad with me, no never at all, But this one the father removed made me feel special as I always stood tall. He taught me how to live and love through laughter you see, If we just slow down turn everything over to God yes let him do all the hard work baby. Just let go and let God simply have his way, Yes that’s what he’d tell me time and time again back in the day. He’d sing when he’d walked the last mile of the way he’d rest at the close of the day, Now as a little kid I didn’t know what to make of this or even say, But now I understand it truly understand it come what may, We should live our lives working out our soul salvation at best, Then pray to our Gawd cause he’ll surely give us true peace and rest. Somehow my grandpa knew what he was talking about you see,

Cause he was a very peaceful man always happy as could be. I’m glad I got the chance to know him really well, As I spent years talking to him, reading to him, and teaching him how to spell. Yes on Fridays we’d have our Spelling test oh yes we would, To see if he’d been listening to me, to see if my teaching was any good. Sometimes he’d fall short and spell a word or two wrong, Then we’d sit and go over the word, may be even make up a silly word song, So the next time he’d be sure, yes be sure to get it right, Oh how I long for those days again, how I wish those days were never gone from my sight, But my grandpa was right, had predicted he was correct ya know, He didn’t live to see my 12th grade graduation nor was he around to watch me go, Off to college and then to start my adult life, No he wasn’t around to see me handle all that grown up stress and strife. Miss him yes I do and I know I always will, It seems as though everything just fell apart and time just decided to stand still, When my teacher called me out of class on that dreadful day She Informed me that my father removed my grandfather would not be coming home to stay.

Said my Mom had called to tell me he had gone on home yes ed away. Somehow it didn’t seem right, I wasn’t ready for him to be gone already and certainly not on that very day. The truth is that I would never never be ready to let him go. no never oh, no way, I would never be ready to give up and lose that smile of his or miss every word he had come to say. I could still smell his King Edward cigar smoke from time and time again, After his ing cause he was watching over me my faithful father removed and friend. I had said my goodbyes and I knew he’d be alright yes truly alright, ‘Cause he had put God first, walked his last mile then bid this old world good night. SO now I had to be the strong little girl he had raised me to be, I would go on to become the you today I see. Yes grandpa I’ve finally arrived and I’m telling you, God knew just what he did yes knew just what to do, When he gave you to me and gave me to you, So sleep on my father removed and finish taking your rest, I will always love and miss you but God truly does and knows what’s best!

Five Years Removed

DEDICATED TO ALL VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA ON AUGUST 29, 2005

Yes my friend it was raining terribly five years ago, As today we’re five years removed from Hurricane Katrina but the rains’ back you know. It’s raining today, told we’re under severe flood watch too, It’s exactly five years today since Katrina what do you think we should do? Well, that’s simple to me, seems the answer’s quite clear, Simply fall on your knees and pray to God up above my dear. Yes we need to stop what we’re doing right here and right now, Don’t say yah girl you’re right but I’ve got things to do stop let me show you how, How we as a people are so twisted oh yah we’ve truly lost our way, But God hasn’t given up on us he just wants our attention today. He wants us to stop all the robbing, lying, and all the killing too, He wants us to replace these things with unconditional love for others that’s what he’d like us to do.

He wants us to stop being selfish and to help our fellow man, He wants us to become more like him; he wants us to begin to understand, That we need each other in this life to be in service to him we really do, We need each other to conquer all the evil the devil will put us through. See if we knew the Lord the way we profess to others then today everything would be alright, But let’s be for real, we only pretend to know him, we put on a show we can’t even sleep at night, ‘cause we’re so busy faking things till we make it I’m telling you, We think we’ve got to out do our neighbor, gotta make more money, and gotta have a new car too. No my people, this is truly all wrong, truly wrong, Somewhere after we acknowledged God’s love for us we changed the channel Started singing a new song. Yes we flipped the script when we started hating others who were different or folks who Didn’t look like we do, Now where would we be If Jesus decided years ago to have that same attitude? Shame on you! ‘Cause he died for our sins he took our place and hung upon a cross for you and me, And we don’t even take the time to say thank you or acknowledge his existence We’re too blind to see,

But that’s why we’re having all this rain again oh yes it’s true, That after Hurricane Katrina we ran to the nearest church cause that’s what we do. See we know the Lord when we’re in trouble we search and seek him out oh yes we do, But when the rain’s gone and the sun comes out we forget about the Lord I’m telling you. We forgot about how he’s saved us time and time again and how he keeps bringing us through, All the crazy and foolish things we get ourselves into, So today five years removed he says no you didn’t listen and I know you wouldn’t, Had to do your own thing again, get caught up in sin and pain stay away from trouble No you couldn’t. God knows trouble is so tempting and looks so inviting yes it does you see, So don’t be mad at him for this rain today he just wants your attention now don’t you agree? Think about it. We only listen to Him when something bad comes along our way, Think back five years ago today after Hurricane Katrina we all wanted to pray, Yes pray that God would make everything alright again and take all the hurt away, And that he did—but in his own way. Do we listen? No that’s why the rain came today. I think it’s a sign to tell us that God’s still not pleased with us oh NO!

He simply wants us to start to love each other and continue to let that love show. Sounds easy? It really is, truly is you know, Just stop right now wherever you are and get down on your knees, And ask the Lord up above to forgive you for all your sins please. Tell him that you love him; tell him you accept him as your savior and your friend, Tell him this is it Lord this time you truly win. No more rain needs to come down, no more tragedy for me, Now I have you Lord, I believe in you and I now trust you so no more rain I need to see! God only God has the victory! Rest in peace Hurricane Katrina!

My Dream Must Never Die

Hi everyone how do you do? Yes you see me cause I’ve come to talk to you. Even though I’ve gone to take my rest, I see my people below still struggling still not doing their best, Your best you say, oh you think that’s what you’re givin’ I truly know when you give your all I while I was livin’, Cause I gave it my all, yes, gave my life you see, I died for what I believed in; yes I fought so you could be free. I fought for the rights that we were said to be given at birth, But as we lived to grow we found never existed for us on earth. I fought and died for your rights to live in peace and harmony I fought for our God given rights because he’s the one who made you and me. I’m told I’ve been given a holiday for all the work I’ve done you know, I want my people to embrace that day to learn about me so, You can go on and keep my dream alive oh can’t you see, My dream must never die you can’t let it die, so come on now please help me, My brother, my sister, please me now just take a stand,

Talk to your neighbor, those in the hood, come on just take their hand. March down the streets of your town together now that’s what you do, Take the time to learn about each other’s struggles and fears I’m telling you. It’s when you forget about caring for others that we lose our way, Don’t make the life I lived one in vain keep my dream alive today, So our young brothers and sisters somehow can have a clue As to what my struggle and your struggle was truly about that’s what I need you to do. I need you to explain to our young people and I need you to let them know, It’s time to put down the guns, pick up a book, time to let their intelligence show. It’s there; oh I know it’s there, yes now just like it was back in my day, ‘Cause I saw it, fought for it, died for it, and so through my belief in it I’ve come to say, It’s your turn now, come on please keep my dream alive don’t do it just for me, My dream’s your dream and it simply can’t die now, no, our people still can’t see, That although our country’s come a long way, There’s still much work to be done, yes, the struggle still exist that’s what I’ve come to say. Yes, the road is rough and breakthroughs take time and are very few, But If It was a smooth easy road to travel many would be flying through. No, the road to change is tough and It takes lots of time you know,

But it’s worth it, just look at the faces of our babies still being born in this world to grow, You owe it to them like lowed it to you, So don’t let me down, my dream must never die, you know it too, When you have the of others you can go on to see your dreams come true. So my people I miss you but I knew I didn’t come to stay, I am glad that my dream is still around although I have gone away. when things get tough; don’t give up just keep doing what you do, Because my dream, is your dream and it must never die, It’s our hope; yes our hope until this world is through!!!

Goodbye To 309

So today I say good bye to 309, I’ve been your friend as you have been mine. Yes our time is up oh yes, up oh so soon, I knew this day would come but never really prepared to sing my final tune. Yes you know sing a final farewell song, Somehow I never thought it would end, wanted it to last my whole life long, But time is up, yes it’s come to an end too quickly you know, Thought I’d have time to plot things out just right before I’d have to go. No, it didn’t happen that way, So I want to write my thoughts of 309 down today. Moved in to 309 the first time back in August of 1969, When everything was brand new and everything was fine, Cause I was only a kid yes just nine years old back then you see, And the Hollow and 309 was the place to be. Time goes on oh how quickly does it , I’m all grown up, graduating from my high school class. So what’s next for me? Where do I go? I stayed at 309 and entered college locally at SUNO.

Stayed there on scholarship doing well oh yes that’s true, But my mind moved on to marriage and out of town I flew. Liked San Antonio, new place, big city but got home sick for St. Rose, Talked it over with my hubby, packed up my two children and all of my clothes, Said it’s back to St. Rose, its home cause it’s the place I want to be, Found out as I was all grown up now I didn’t quite fit in oh no it just wasn’t for me, But soon I got settled into my family home on Second St. Went back to college at SUNO, graduated this time yah, finally landed on my feet. Where would I go as I was not a student anymore? Well at first I didn’t have a clue, came back to 309with my Mom, got professionally employed and found lots of things to do. My children were growing older now both off to school now on their way, Decided to have a third child, decided 309 was where I’d stay. My Mom had retired and needed my help now yes even more now you see, She was sick with Alzheimer’s disease so her caretaker is who I would now be. Yes, some days were rough, didn’t know what to do, I cried and prayed and prayed and cried, asked God to help me through. I was so young now divorced and a single parent of three,

Didn’t know how I was gonna handle this situation but my God he took care of me. My God helped me along through all my struggles at home and on the job too, I got promotion after promotion as my children grew. Fell in love and married a second time but once again, Marriage didn’t work for me, hadn’t found my soul mate, just another friend. Had moved away from 309 with this second marriage though, And as the marriage ended back to 309 is where I would go. It was bitter sweet this time oh yes it was for me, Because my Mom would not be there she had died and gone to glory. So it’s back to 309 now with my baby son yes four children now that’s it for me, A single parent again, Please help me again Lord ‘cause without you where will I be? With my Mom gone I’m simply all alone but I’ll keep holding on until the end, ‘Cause it’s my faith in you that has kept me strong in all I do my true and loyal friend. And as for 309, well it was home for the past fourteen years, But suddenly my time at 309 was over and I had to face all of my fears. Yes all those thoughts of moving on when I really wasn’t ready to,

With my God in control he knew just what my future would hold, he sees me through. So now I must trust him as I leave 309 behind, It’s hard but I’m sure where he leads me some happiness I shall find. And 309 my old friend, I must say thank you, For being my home for most of my life and the home of my children too. Now as I leave I won’t complain, no indeed I won’t complain, I’ll just relive all the good times here as my memories will always remain. It’s good bye to 309 today, yes physically, But in my heart of hearts is where 309 will always be!

She Didn’t Come To Stay

Dedicated to my beloved Auntie the Late Willietta Gilles My Mama, your Big Sis spoke to me on this very day, Said what you worried about my darling my lil’ sis didn’t come to stay. Mom said don’t worry anymore cause now she’s up above with me and up above with all of The rest of our family. Now I know it’s hard to accept because you loved her so, But my child, her work was through on earth God said it was time for her to go. See she had served the Lord and worked to build his kingdom while it was day, No my child, your Auntie, my baby Sis didn’t come to stay. But, I said Mom you know it’s just so hard so very hard to let her go, But now, I must as you have come to tell me so. She said well Ingrid Marie you know what you must do, You must all the love and special times shared by you two. all the good times that always outweighed the bad. Trust in the Lord for he knows the special relationship

the two of you had. Yes, your heart may be hurting and full of sorrow, But your Auntie knew the Lord so that my child is your hope for tomorrow. Continue to trust in the Lord as I, she and my mother have taught you, Then child you will be able yes be able to make it through. I know you will miss her family gatherings with all that home cookin’ she loved to share with us, But God knows best, it was time for her to rest, so please my child in God just trust! You don’t have to say good bye to her just say I’ll see you later Auntie, Yes, tell my baby Sis I’ll see you up above later with the rest of our family. Love Always, God Bless

Yes “In” You Will See Me Again

WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO THE PREVIOUS POEM, “‘SHE DIDN’T COME TO STAY”

Yes “IN” you will see me again so please don’t cry, Your Mama, my Sis, told you don’t say good bye. Told you just tell Auntie you’ll see her later and that’s true, Cause “‘IN” trust God, continue to have faith he’ll see you through. Although you may be missing me, oh yes I know, Through all the hurt, the heartache, and the sorrow, That you are feeling now but just hang on, hang on in prayer, And ask the Lord to give you the strength yes strength enough to bear, The rest of your time down on earth without me, I promise “‘IN” we will meet again, yes you’ll see. I know there’s still some tough times for you ahead, But lil’ “INNY” you’re gonna be alright you’ll make it instead, Yes instead of feeling all alone and oh so blue,

Just all the good times we shared all the fun things we used to do, Then in the end, “IN” those tough times won’t seem so tough, no, not at all, cause all our precious memories will make them seem so very small. After all our time spent together was special just me and you, Trust me ‘“IN” while I was down there you did all that you could do. Now I’m at rest while your work on earth is still not done, So go on now “IN” hang In there for old Auntie till your race is won. Time es fast and yes “IN” you will see me again you truly will, So stop all that worrying bout me, stop tryin to make time stand still. Understand my time was up as yours will be too one day, I’m no longer in pain; ya Mama told you I didn’t come to stay. Finish your course lil’ girl’ cause in the end, Yes “IN” you will see me again.

Love Always,

Auntie Willietta

The Last Dance

IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE LATE MR. JOSEPH (JO DANCER) JOHNSON, SR.

How can I say good bye to you? Don’t wanna, but somehow I will, Just for a moment let’s have the last dance, let’s make time stand still. Now I know time won’t stand still for us and on this earth you will no longer be, So just for a moment let’s share the last dance, come have the last dance with me. I want to take this time, yes go back in my mind, to a time you know, A time that was just the other day, no it was not that long ago. And relive all the memories, yes all of the memories that the two of us have shared, That way I can all the fun times with a cousin who truly, truly cared. Didn’t matter where we were or how long we where gonna be, Joe was always happy around his people, his folks, and his family. Always laughing and sharing a joke or two with everyone,

My cousin Joe was always in the middle of lots of fun. We called him Jo Dancer so now I say Jo come dance with me, Let’s have the last dance Jo Dancer on this side before no longer will you be, Let’s have the last dance Jo Dancer let’s dance all the night through, Let’s have the last dance Jo Dancer cause that’s what I want to do. I want to all our talks back in the day, I want to you at my birthday party oh you had so much to say. Chose a big cake that said Happy Birthday Big I, that’s what you did, And I was so happy to be around you, yep, made me feel like a little kid. Felt so much love on that my 49th birthday, Thought we’d have many more to share before you were plucked away. Thought we’d share many more family functions like Christmas at my Auntie’s, When you come over and say “Call da Police” Joe you knocked us to our knees. We’d laugh and dance and dance and laugh as you talked the whole night through, Lord how I wish I could make the last dance last forever with you. But time waits for no one, no Joe, no one at all,

Your time was up and our dance done, there’s no more time to ball. But I will always have the last dance; yes that last dance with you, To relive our laughter and our friendship to see me through, The rest of my days here on earth yes so I won’t say good bye yah know, I’ll just say time stood still for that last dance and now I can let you go. My memories of you are with me and yes they always will be, I thank you Jo Jo Dancer for the last dance with me. The time keeps ticking; no I can’t make it stand still, But you’ll always be with me through the last dance, oh yes you will!

”B.W.O.C.” (Big Woman On Campus)

DEDICATED TO THE LATE DR. GLORIA A. ADAMS, PSYCHOLOGY CHAIR AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AT NEW ORLEANS, IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

On my way to Southern in New Orleans, didn’t know what I was gonna do, Thought all Senior year I’d be in Baton Rouge at LSU, But got a full scholarship to SUNO so at home is where I’d be, Gone were the moments of being in Tiger Stadium for me. Life would be different, but I would still be living at home, Riding Norman’s school bus down to New Orleans I would now roam. Had been the minority in school for the last eight years, Now finding myself alone of the majority had to face some bigger fears, Cause I hadn’t been around my people, wasn’t doing the things we do, Thank God I had friends on scholarship to help me make it through.

Oh yah, they talked about me and also laughed at me so, But I was glad to be with them as Freshman everywhere we’d go. I wasn’t used to pork chop sandwiches, oh no with ketchup and such, Told them pork chops were entree items told them that was just too much. They said I was just a spoiled country girl from up river so, Said I was used to eating too much steak and potato. Said they’d help me to adjust to campus life at SUNO, Said they’d help me find my blackness, said they’d help me grow. While this was all so new and seemed so different to me, Somehow being with them at SUNO is where I somehow wanted to be. Always stayed together around campus, yes we did, I hung around my crew no longer looking like a country kid. But that was then and my life moved on ya know, I decided to leave school, marry and move on to San Antonio. Wanting to get back in school I came back home you see, Three years older now so where would I go? Well, it’s back to SUNO for me. Life would not be the same, oh no, not at all, My old scholarship friends were gone now at SUNO who

would I call? To help me again to adjust to my school life I’m telling you, I didn’t know how to become a student again, didn’t have a clue. Decided to change my major yah, Psychology would be what I majored in, As I walked up to the Psychology table I met my mentor and new friend. She said her name was Dr. Gloria Adams is this your first time at SUNO? I said “NO ma’am”; I started here a couple years ago. She looked at my records and saw my last name was GREEN, Said she taught someone from out my way, smartest student she’d ever seen. I said yes, he’s my uncle, oh yes, he certainly is and that’s true, I now had found someone on campus to help me make it through. She said Bridgett, that’s what she called me, stick with me and you know what I’ll do? I’ll make you a B.W.O.C. that’s right I’m telling you. I wasn’t sure what that meant but I felt safe, knew she was on my side some way, As she was pleased with my Uncle Garland back in the day. Knew I had to stay focused well, what else could I say. Didn’t want to seem foolish, but wanted to know her plan, said Bridgett, I know right now you simply don’t understand,

You’re gonna be a BIG WOMEN ON CAMPUS oh yes you will, Let me help guide you, listen up, come on now time won’t stand still. said she’d be watching my schoolwork, would help me, yes indeed, I got another full scholarship she truly helped when I was in need. Recommended me for a job with Bell Labs back in the day, Got that job, worked for her on campus, yah things were going my way. Loved being back at SUNO that was true and you know why? Cause Dr. Gloria Adams took me under her wing, she didn’t let me fester and die. She taught me that being a B.W.O.C was a big responsibility, She told me being a pretty face around campus was not all that I could be. I learned to love SUNO and Psychology, yes indeed, I did you know, I helped many students stay focused to study and to grow. I would go on to graduate Magna Cum Laude in 1983, As a part of one of the largest Psychology classes SUNO would ever see. Years ed by and I would visit the campus you know, Couldn’t leave campus without visiting the Psychology Dept. and Doc so,

I’d visit and we’d chat and she’d go on and on as she always did, And I was so glad I stayed at SUNO no longer a country kid. Now all grown up and full of lots of memories, Of my days on campus with Dr. Adams doing what I please. It’s those memories that will always be dear to me, As Dr. Adams has gone on home to glory. I talk to my children often about my college days, I tell them about you, Dr. Gloria Adams always. I told them how much Doc had inspired me, I will always cherish my memories as a B.W.O.C.

REST IN PEACE

DR. GLORIA A. ADAMS

LOVE,

“BRIDGETT”

Another Soldier Has Gone Home

IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE LATE WHITNEY E. HOUSTON

Another soldier has gone home and here we sit sad again and so alone, As I watch the live telecast sharing that you have gone home. With a heavy heart I watch your home going, And an uneasy feeling not knowing, Yes not knowing you Whitney, no not personally at all, But through the church service I felt as though I did, somehow I didn’t fall. But as I looked around I was alone, yes alone in my living room, And it was raining lots of rain drops feeling like nothing but gloom, When all of a sudden all your songs that always made me stand so tall, Now all of a sudden as the rain began to beat against my wall, All the words being said simply made me feel so small, And so alone and so empty you see, For it was not so long ago that I had lost my Auntie,

And now as I sit here watching all these folks talk about you, Suddenly I began to feel like again I couldn’t make it through. Although I know your time was up and you had to go away, I thought I had conquered my lonely feelings towards my loved ones who also didn’t come to stay. Thought I’d gotten over it, thought I’d gone through all the hurt and dried every tear drop stain, I suddenly felt like a ball of emotions racking in nothing but pain. Why so much pain? Why now Lord? Please tell me cause I don’t have a clue, I thought I’d prayed enough, prayed the right prayers all the day and all the night too. Now suddenly my ball of emotions was gone away,

As I turned back towards my TV to hear what else your service would have to say. I got this sense of peace that just came over me, As the rain came down harder so hard I couldn’t see. Didn’t see the outdoors as it normally looks out my way, No, it looked right different and strange at this moment today. As I got up to look outdoors again you see, I found the rain had stopped and now it was time for your eulogy. It’s as if God was telling me just cry when you need to but don’t tarry for long, For soon You’ll be like Whitney singing your last song.

And when I sing my last song I want everyone to know, I did my best so like you Whitney I must rest; it’ll be my time to go, And as you sing this song as only you could do, Whitney, I and the world will always love you!

REST IN PEACE

MS. WHITNEY ELIZABETH HOUSTON

Back To Destrehan

MOM’S FAREWELL POEM

Good bye my dear daughter and loved ones I have come to know, My time is over on earth, it’s back to Destrehan I will go. You say why back to Destrehan? Well, let me tell you why, It’s the town I was born in and the place I chose to be when I would die. Yes, now that I am gone I’m gonna need you to understand, What the town of Destrehan meant to me as a part of my life long plan. You see it all started for me there oh yes it did, Destrehan in the quarters is where I started as a kid. Heard the quarters now is part of the new highway, the interstate, But back in my day it was home and my folks thought it was great. That’s right, the quarters was our whole way of life back then, Was the place people like me grew up from being young boys to grown men. Yah, we had everything we needed or at least all we were allowed to have you know,

And that was good enough for us back then, felt real special so, We lived our lives in our lil’ houses all lined up in a row, And attended grade school all of us in one room so, That’s where we got our education all huddled together and we were glad, To be able to learn with what little we had. Everyone knew everyone, yah back then everyone shared, ‘cause we were all one big community living surviving together, yah back then we all cared. Didn’t have much, no none of us really did, Somehow our little seemed like so much when I was just a kid. Most of us went on to work just like our older folks had done you know, Still working on the plant and woman washing, cooking, and watching other folk’s kids as they would grow. A few of us, well we made it past 8th grade on to high school, Had to go really far from home though and that was not at all cool. There was no high school for us, no not for folks who looked like me, No high school for colored folks in the quarters had to go to the city. We were huddled again in an old bread truck with no windows at all, Just happy to be going to high school, we would be singing and just having a ball.

We were glad for the chance to go away to school so we could have a better life, Our folks had struggled in those quarters, sacrificed so much, it just didn’t seem right. I wanted to be the best in school because my mother worked hard for me, To be able to go to school to be the best that I could be. She worked all day in those quarters and watched kids at night, While I stayed alone reading my school books, yes the loneliness I would fight, Cause our neighbor called Mr. Bum he would knock on the wall to check on me, I was glad to hear his knock, oh yes, just as glad as I could be. This let me know someone was there to keep me safe ya know, It was still hard to be a lil’ girl alone in the quarters though. I made it; yes I did, as other kids made it too, We kids from the quarters grew up and moved on, oh yes I’m telling you. My family left the quarters and came to live in St, Rose, I was happy to move on to work, later college now I could buy my own clothes. Time moved on, I finished college and had a baby girl you see, Moved on to become a teacher and named here Ingrid Marie. How I loved that girl we shared many years there in St. Rose,

Until I became sick and could no longer put on my own clothes. My daughter had grown up with a family of her own, But found she couldn’t leave me In the house alone. She and her kids would now take care of me, I was losing my happy look, no more smiles on my face to see. Things got so tough I needed so much extra care, They moved me back to Destrehan to a nursing home where, I would go on to spend my last days on this earth, But like I told you I had started here in Destrehan at my birth. I had made a complete circle, back to my birth town you know, There just wasn’t much left for me to do now so, I was a member of the Catholic Church there in the town, So I know I could get prepared to be laid down, And take my place of rest as my time was up you see, I would be buried in the mausoleum there that’s where I’d be. That’s right, I’m back to Destrehan, and yes it’s my final resting place, Don’t cry for me, oh no, don’t keep that sad look on your face. See I’ve done my time with my friends and family, Back to Destrehan is where my body’s gonna be, But my spirit and soul have gone up above,

So now I live with my Savior who provides nothing but love. Hate to have left you, yes I really did and that’s true, But live right, enjoy your life, and you’ll see me again I promise you!

Where Have All The Elders Gone?

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF ALL THE ELDERS OF OLD ST. ROSE

Where are all the old folks I from old St. Rose? I can see them in my mind some in old but tattered clothes. Now where have all the elderly gone, yes now can you tell me? Wasn’t it just yesterday they were with us as proud as could be? All the old folks I grew up with, well they are all gone you see, And the folks my age, well the old folks are who we now be. Yes, time has truly moved on, oh yes it has you know, And taken away our grandparents, older friends, and neighbors who watched us grow. Cause back in the day St. Rose was all family, Any old person could correct you, not yah Mama, didn’t have to be. That’s right; any elder could stop you and ask you to go to the store, And if you sassed them or said NO when you got home you would get more, Not just one spanking or one whooping oh no I’m telling you,

Folks in our town simply respected what the elders had come to do, Cause with their age came wisdom, lots of wisdom, love, and care, That’s it; we were a close community of folks who truly loved to share. Didn’t matter what you had just wanted to make sure you had enough and that’s true, My grandma and the elders of St. Rose helped all of us together to make it through. See although we just had four streets of wooden houses and such, On those four streets you found nothing but loving folks, who gave so much, To us that’s right, they gave us everything, yes everything they had, And I got to say as one of those kids I don’t think we turned out so bad. Just for a moment I want to go back down those four streets of old St. Rose, And revisit the memories of our elderly regardless of their tattered clothes, Cause they were my family, my neighbors, yes back in the day, Wished folks lived like them now close real special that same way. I walking down First Street, the “Big Street” to Mr. Adam’s store, You could find just what you wanted and if not Mama Eva asked what you were looking for?

And Stan would be there in the store to tease me and to say, You buying candy again as you walk back by your grandma’s today? Just good ole folks always glad to see you when you came, Always making you feel loved while waiting for you on the next day to come and do the same. Cause we were regulars, yes that was our daily routine yah know, As we would walk down the Big Street waving at folks as we would go, Around the end of the street we’d by Paul Lee’s place you see, Wave at Aunt Bet, Uncle Royal and wave at Ms. Genevieve. Can’t forget Uncles James and Jake turning the corner on First Street, I’d speak to them as I ed by, I’d Second and Short, the grave yard and all the tears I would cry, As I’d walked back there time and time again, After leaving the funeral of a family member and those of a friend, Now on Second Street I could see the Armstrong’s place, Aunts Neesie and Florine, Before getting to my place, yah in the yard is where I would be seen. Grandma Gladys wouldn’t allow me out of the yard to play oh no she would say my yard was just fine, said you stay out of trouble that way, said you’ll live a long time. Didn’t mind it so much, didn’t matter if I did,

Cause back then when old folks spoke you listened, you were just a kid. No one had to tell you twice when the elders spoke to you, No you learned the first time if you didn’t do what you were supposed to do. Once was enough, it truly was, we learned our lessons well, Taught and raised by mostly old folks who could hardly read or spell, But we turned out alright oh yes, we did, I must say, Those old folks taught us how to live with each other back in the day. There were lots of other old folks down First through Fourth Streets too, Who helped us to grow, who helped us make it through. Third Street was the smallest and on that street was Mr. Piggy Joe, That’s right; It was so small only one car could go down yes, only one could go, Down that lil’ street, yes just one could make it through, But you could turn in to Fourth Street at Fifth African Church that’s what you could do, And travel to visit folks on our last street, It was certainly fun talking to all the folks that you would meet. Down Fourth Street at the curve was Uncle Herbert Taylor’s store,

He had cold drinks for us kids and the bar for older folks who wanted more. See back in the day in St. Rose we had just what we needed and that’s true, We ed each other, helped each other, that’s what we used to do. Don’t forget my folks past the curve on Fourth Street; we called it “back behind”, Was a dead end back there so we visited turned around, came back up to the curve No one seemed to mind. Now all our old folks, our prayer warriors, well they are all gone, their faces we can no longer see, We the new old folks long for them cause with us is where they oughta be. But we’ll hang on to the promise of a time when we’ll see them again, Yes, all the old folks of old St. Rose every family member and every friend. They’re gone from us, yes from us who remain in St. Rose, And yes, we truly miss them as we picture them some still in tattered clothes, But they will always live on through our memories you know. Just like we grew up here, we have to tell their stories to our children so they can grow, Yes grow up knowing about the wisdom of the elders of our town, So they can be proud of them as we are cause they never let us down. So now I can answer the question where have all the elders gone? Oh yes, I truly can,

cause I am no longer a kid, they’ve ed on, left their legacy for us to understand.

Knowing The Great But Not The Grand

Never met you, never knew you the others did, but no, not me, I was the youngest, the only grandchild that you would never see. I got to meet your mother yah I got to know the Great but not the Grand, I know there are things in life we don’t question just trust God to understand. We called her Grandma Gladys, oh yes we did, As I now look back on my memories of her when I was just a kid. It was good to be the baby, yes the last born you know, Loved all the attention I got as I would prosper and grow. sitting on Grandma Gladys’ lap as she would sing a Creole lullaby to me, My Mom said that boys were special to her as special as could be, Grandma Gladys loved boys, had only two daughters ya know, And I was the last boy not the only one for her to spoil so, I enjoyed this time with her as the others were much older than me, They were off doing their thing so on her lap is where I’d be. She talked and laughed and played with me all day through, Until my Mom and sisters would say we had other things to do. Our visit would come to an end for that particular day,

But there was something about her touch just made me feel real special in some way, I always felt real good when around Grandma Gladys you know, Like no one could touch me or ever harm me so, I felt so protected and safe with that, knowing the Great was grand while Not knowing the Grand at all, But my time with the Great would become only memories, yes only memories to recall. See I heard my Mom say Grandma Gladys had fallen and off to the hospital Is where she would be, Now there was no more time for Creole lullabies like the Grand she would be leaving me. I was just a lil’ kid, didn’t know what to really say, I just know my great grandma was not sitting in her spot in her usual way. Years have ed and I’ve gotten older these days, Wished I could be back spending time with my Great but time moves on always. I have decided to my Great as I never got to know my Grand, I thank God for the years with the Great and ask him to hold my hand, cause now I’ve got to go on living without those two, But I’ll recall my memories of the Great that’s what I’m gonna do. Gonna live my life real special you’ll see, Gonna make sure she’d be real proud of me.

Gonna her talking for hours and for days, Gonna her singing and her Creole ways. I thank God for knowing the Great but not the Grand, I have some memories to hold on to and that I do understand!

You Made Our House A Home

DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER, THE LATE MARION M. JOSEPH

You made our house a home and this I know, cause it was a place that was fun to be and fun to grow. As it was hard living in the Hollow and such, Cause lots of folks talked , yah they had much, Oh yah, much to say about where we lived it’s true, But you made the hurt go away, made it so easy to come home to, That’s right; you see our house was full of love, Yes my Mom, my mother prayed to our heavenly Father up above. She prayed for our house to truly become a home, cause she was raising me all by herself, yes all alone, And yes there were lots of times when she just didn’t know what to do, But she put all of her trust in her God, knew he would get us through, All of life’s troubles, toil and strife. Yah, I watched her stay on bended knees all of her life,

And just pray, yes she always prayed all day and all night, She simply prayed for a break through, or till things just seemed right. I tell you it takes a lot to make a house a home you know, It’s like keeping a flower alive you simply must water it to grow, cause without lots of love and care, You will only have a house never a home where, Folks just go through the motions from day to day, Sharing nothing and feeling nothing no simply existing, it’s just a place to stay. It’s not a home by no means, no indeed, Cause homes are full of folks who care when you’re in need. Yes homes are filled with people like you, Yes folks like my mother, oh the things she used to do. Oh the things she did to make me feel special you know, Well it’s those kinds of things that I’ve learned to miss so, I’m gonna tell you about them, oh yes right here and right now, I want to share them with you so you can understand how, That’s right, understand how good she made this lil’ girl feel, About living in my hood, ya made my home real. We didn’t have a lot, no not at all, But we had everything we needed as I now recall.

May not have had the fanciest things, no we never did, Way back then in my hood when I was just a kid. But Mama I’m telling you I get it now, You invested your whole life in me and I know how, Yes just how much it hurt you when I could just turn and walk away, From you and our home when I felt like I was grown one day. I now understand everything you went through, As my children, your grand children have left home; yes they’ve left me too. It’s so hard, yes really tough, yes Mom now I know, You said there’d be days like this, why didn’t I think so? Cause I’d watched you work your fingers to the bone for me, Cause you wanted the best, settled for nothing less, No, not for your Ingrid Marie. Spent all your money on things to keep me busy, yes you did, There was simply nothing you denied me of as your only kid. While although it was just you and me, I never felt alone cause at home is where you would be. Yah, everyone can how we traveled together all the time, yah it’s true, You were my best friend, you ed all of my dreams, and yes everything I would decide to do. Most important you taught me it’s not the furniture and things

That make a house a home you know, No, it’s all the love and you provide just like the water to make a flower grow. That is what’s important to make a home the way you did, Yes just like the one you made for me when I was just a kid. Gonna all the things you did and all the things you used to say, So maybe one day too my children, your grand children will feel the same way. Yes, feel like I too made their house a home, Yes, I too provided and love and never left them alone. I hope you knew you made our house a home if not I want you to know, Cause I was that lil’ flower that you watered as it went on to grow. Yes, I’m all grown up now and you’ve gone on home, yes you’ve left me, But I’ll always have your memories that made our house a home and in my heart they’ll always be!

I Now Feel What You Once Felt

DEDICATED TO MY FIVE BEAUTIFUL GRAND CHILDREN, BERNARD, BENJAMIN, BERSHELL, BAILEY, AND BERNELL REYNAUD IN LOVING MEMORY OF THEIR GREAT GREAT GRANDMOTHER, THE LATE GLADYS ROUSSEAU ZENO BENNETT

Grandma Gladys I now feel what you once felt, oh yes I do, Because I’ve got grand kids now and I know it’s true. Where oh where does the time go? Wasn’t it just yesterday that you were watching me so, Where and how did all those years disappear? Well really didn’t go they were all lived right here. See I now feel what you once felt, yes it’s true, I now have grand kids and wondered what you did to make it through. Yes Grandma how did you do it? I simply must know, But as I think it can be compared to watching a flower grow. Yah, first you have a seed and plant that seed then watch it to see, If it starts to wilt, become lifeless because it needs by folks like you and me.

I say folks like you and me cause I now know what it’s all about you know, To watch your child bring a child into this world as I’ve watched my grand children grow. Of course at first you said you weren’t ready to leave your life to raise us two, But you did it, stayed home to raise Ivy and me, yes you helped us through. Left working for your good white folks, yes watching their kids you see, Moved on to being alone at home watching your grand kids Ivy and me. How strange it must have felt at first, oh yes I now know, cause when I left my job I felt lost and alone like I had no place to go. But our little people, yes our children’s children, they are a part of us, And turn our backs on them, oh no, no way cause we’re the ones they can trust, To keep them safe, happy and make them feel wanted you know, Just as that flower sprouts out of the soil in search of sunlight to grow. If we don’t care for them and show them the right way, There are lots of folks out there just waiting to help lead

them astray. Yes it’s our job to help see them through, We must help them prepare for our next generation who, Will feel the same things that you and I have come to know, As living life each day allows grandparents to show, How we got over all the heartaches and pains in life, How we learned to help our children’s children handle their strife. It’s a tough job and I thank you, yes I do, For putting up with me back in the day, for carrying me through. Cause it was you who laid down your life for me, “So my Mom could go on to be the best she could be. I now feel the pride that you’d come to know, Yes it’s that kind of pride that makes you water the flower as it continues to grow. You planted a solid foundation of love and strong sense of family, Deep down in my heart to remain for all to see. Yes your thoughts and sayings, I picked those up ya know, Just like the rays of sunshine your personality has helped me to grow. Gonna do my best to help them along the way, Just like you did with me back in the day.

I once said if I could be half the woman you were that would be great and this is true, Cause the proof is in the pudding, you were truly one of a kind I’m telling you. Now that I feel what you once felt I’m gonna it on you know, Just like the flower that dies as others bloom and go on to grow. Glad I feel what you once felt and when my time is through, I hope my children’s children will feel what we did too. Love you all,

“MABERTA”

I Tried To Give What You Gave

WRITTEN IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY MOTHER, THE LATE MARION JOSEPH AND DEDICATED TO MY FOUR CHILDREN: ASHAUNTA, DIONDRA, DANA AND OLIVER

Mom I truly tried to give what you gave, oh yes I did, cause I have such fond memories growing up as your kid. It’s like you had all the smarts at this parenting thing, Although you would say there’s no course to take and no book to bring. That’s right, no book or no lesson to be learned about raising a perfect child you know, cause there’s no perfect child or perfect parents, just ask God for his help so, You can become the best parent you were meant to be, Which is not an easy task, no take it from me. But Mom, somehow you embraced it all so well, Back in the day from your stories I can tell, That life was tough as you raised me all alone, Not sure if what you were doing was right, may be some of it was wrong,

But you just kept going, praying, working and staying home with me, Yah, we spent all your free time on the road that’s where we’d be. Riding here and there and running errands too, You included me in just about everything you would do. Always considered what was best for me first, yes you did, And I didn’t understand it back then; no I was just a kid. Yah, just a kid wanting to be wild and free, But you set the standards in your home raising me. Said this is my place and I work every day, To see that you have what you need come what may, And you didn’t care what others thought or what they would even say, Cause I was your child and you said folks would talk any way, Said God is your true friend child, take it from me, All those folks aren’t true friends Ingrid Marie. Oh yah, they’ll be with you when things are looking great and that I know, But when you are down on your luck and need them they are never around so, Learn to trust in God I’m telling you, So when you’re going gets tough he’ll see you through. You taught me how to be independent, to work hard and how

to pray, Said if you want something done right, do it yourself, it’s the only way, To get things done, yah the way you want them to be, Now Lord I realize what a job my Mom had on her hands raising me. But through every lesson I learned how to be faithful and to understand, Nothing works right if there’s no God in your plan. My Mom raised me to study hard, to read books, yes read books every day, Cause while reading you could dream dreams that would take you away, To that place in life where you wanted to be or where you wanted to go, Yes, making good grades and studying to be the best, well who could tell you NO? My Mama said learn everything you can, said that was the key, Said no one could stop you if you get that degree, said they could take an award away based on Popularity. But could never take your education away, said that would set you free, So I worked hard and always tried to do my best, cause my Mama worked hard for me, didn’t want her to worry, wanted her to rest,

After years of working hard to take care of me, Wanted her to know that I was trying to be the best I could be. See I owed it to her, oh yes I truly did, You can call it pay back for what she did when I was her kid. Now I have four and they are all gone you see, I hope one day they’ll feel the same way about me. I hope one day they’ll say our Mama worked hard, oh yes she did, Hope they’ll say she worked for the four of us every one of us, yes each kid, Hope they’ll feel that I gave them what I know you gave me, Cause it’s those feelings I’ll always treasure of you as the parent of Ingrid Marie.

When My World Ceased To BE

It was 1976; yes it was back in the day, When my life as I knew it got turned in a strange way. You see my grandfather who was never sick, no had never been sick before, Made it into our bathroom and found himself falling to the floor. Didn’t know what was happening oh no I never did, Not back then at least cause I was just a kid. I know I was in my teens but who truly thinks about sickness then, No, not when you’re a teen, you just want to live free as the wind, And dream your dreams, yah and party with friends too, As I look back on that day my whole life changed and I didn’t know what to do. No, simply didn’t know what to do and didn’t know what to say, Was simply just used of my grandfather being so full of play, But no not now, no not at all you see, Cause he had to be hospitalized and my world yes it ceased to be. That’s right I now know that was when my world ceased to be yes it’s true. Back then I was afraid, still so young and just really didn’t

have a clue. Cause he was my rock, yes my Father removed you know, I had sat on his lap, listened to his jokes, oh how I loved him so. He always had time; no he always made time for me, Now my world had turned upside down on the way to the hospital is where I’d be. Had never thought about him ever feeling bad, Never gave it a second thought, sickness, not for my second dad. No see he was full of life, bragged on the fact he had never been sick, Now I thought of all the memories we should get him to the hospital quick, quick. This just couldn’t be happening, no not to me, This just couldn’t be happening to my Gramp not Toby. Folks called him Toby, Tobe, Bris Briscoe, But to me he was Grampie or Grandpa wherever we would go. My Mom had her own special name for him; she called him The Old Man, Somehow I never understood then, but now I understand. He was the only father she had known; yes back in the day, Told her birth father worked on a barge that blew up and he was blown away. Didn’t make no difference, no not with anything he did,

Cause The Old Man loved my Mom just like his other kid, That would be my Auntie Willietta or Lady as he would call her indeed, Cause he gave her everything she had, everything and anything a young girl could ever need. Spoiled? Yes, she was and yes it was true, My Grandpa spoiled us all; he let us do whatever we wanted to do. Take the time Ivy and I both wanted to run for Homecoming Queen you know, Well we needed permission from a parent so to grandpa we would go. Knew he would say yes to both of us, just knew he wouldn’t turn us down, And you know he said yes especially cause our Moms were not around. Got our way, yes we did, oh yah, not just then, most every time it’s true, It was very hard, yes very hard for Grandpa to say No to us two. Days ed by and now he’s still in the hospital now, I’m wondering when will they let him out, he’s gotta get outta there somehow. Doctors said he was doing well but then took a turn for the worst, As I rambled on in my mind, I see revisited memories of his body lying in a hearst. Yes he was gone and on this side again he would never be,

So I thanked God for all the years and the memories he had given me. Yes my heart was broken and I was feeling very sad, But God knows best, it was time for him to rest, yes my second dad. His time was through on this here earth, yes time moves on you see, But I will always have my memories of when my world ceased to be!

Ode To Auntie

PRESENTED TO MY AUNTIE WILLIETTA AT HER BIRTHDAY PARTY ON JULY 23, 2006

Auntie, as we gather to share with you on this birthday, We ask God to give us strength and wisdom as we pray, In thanksgiving for all the wonderful years with you, For the laughter, joy, and tears you were there to see us through, Our darkest days and lonely nights, Your constant love and presence would fight, Away all the sadness, hurt, and pain, Yes Auntie you have always been there through sunshine and rain, Telling us to have faith as God would see us through, All and anything if we would just to do, His will not just on Sundays but throughout the days of the week, For we must be humble and that it is the meek, Who will inherit the earth you see, That’s why God has given you to us Auntie, To be that matriarch of the family to teach us through prayer,

How to love, be kind and yes how to share. This Christian life is not an easy one indeed, But God has placed folks like you to help us in need. So today, it’s your day and we want to tell you thanks for the memories, Of love, laughter, prayers and all the time spent on our knees. Of sharing your life and just for being family, We love you for you and that’s who you were meant to be. May you live to see many more years, And they may be filled with love and some tears, But your faith will see you through, Cause you’ll always have us and we’re so very glad we have you! Happy Birthday Auntie, With love from Ingrid and family

Thanks For The Memories: A Trip Down Memory Lane

As I look back over the years, Yes, over the good, the bad, the laughter and the tears, I can still say thanks for the memories, oh yes I can, Even though some were bitter sweet they were still a part of the plan. You see living life is not easy, no not at all, And sometimes we may stumble or may be even fall. But with help from the Lord we can get up if we lose our way, Yes, stay positive and go on to fight another day, And begin to create more memories as we move on, Even if things are rough and other love ones are gone, We must still say thanks for the memories, oh yes it’s true, I want to take out a minute to reminisce and share with you, So let’s walk down my memory lane, just take that walk with me. And sooner or later you will share some of my feelings, yah you will agree, cause my memories, well some are good while others are bad,

Some made me feel happy while others made me pretty sad. But that’s life I’m telling you, Just keep on living; you’ll feel the same way too. I Old St. Rose, I mean First, second, Third, and Fourth Street, I folks who were all family whenever they would meet. I Cousin Jo Dancer and folks like my Auntie, They were people on holidays you couldn’t wait to see. How about the lessons I learned from my Mother about life, Yah, those lessons taught me well about much trouble and strife. And my days in college with Dr. Adams as a B.W.O.C, Those were some happy memories back at the university. Now I can’t leave out the bitter memories no that just wouldn’t be right, cause there were days when things weren’t always sun shiny and bright. There were days when those close to me were called away, Yes, taken to their new home is where they now stay. Yes on this side no longer will they be, But guess what? Thank God for the memory, Yes the memories I have of those who have ed on,

Sometimes it hurt so bad the pain I feel since they’ve been gone, But the memories I have, yes they live on, oh can’t you see? I told you by just taking this here walk with me, That you would experience and share some of the same feelings that I’ve shared, cause you can back in the day about some folks of your own who cared, That’s right and now they are no longer here to share with you, But like I said it’s our memories that will get us through, So let’s thank God for all our memories some good and even those that are bad, Yes begin to thank him for all the laughter and all the fun we may have had. Don’t forget about the tough times, just plain rough times, oh no I’m telling you, We needed those times to keep us humble in everything we’ve come to do, Cause yah know this Isn’t our home, we’re merely ing through. One day we’re gonna leave this place and our memories others will hold on to. I want to thank you for taking this trip down Memory Lane with me, Like I told you, by now some of my feelings you must share don’t you agree? And to my loved ones who have died and gone away, I want to say thanks for the memories from back in the day,

Yes now you’re with our heavenly Father up above in the sky, “II always have my memories Of Days Gone By.

PART TWO

THE MOMENTS

In Spite Of Who I Am

In spite of who I am, in spite of who I be, You looked over all my faults and still decided to save me. In spite of who I am and although to some I’m a hot mess, You overlooked my short comings and explained that I’m simply your work in progress. If it was not for you Lord, I wouldn’t know what to do Lord, Oh help me be so true Lord to serve you Lord. I’m so happy, so please and so full of your love of me, Why oh Lord? Oh why do I choose to be blind and not see? All the things you’ve done for me, How you slayed death and destruction so I could have the victory, Yes, you took my place and paid a debt you didn’t owe, For me and folks who proclaim to love you so, But somehow only take the time to show, When it’s in their best interest to let others know, Why Lord? Why do we continue to act this way? Boy, we’d be in lots of trouble if you came back today, So I know better and I’m trying to get things right you know,

Wanna let my lil’ light shine, time now to let my faith show, I’m gonna do it cause you’ve done everything for me, Gonna keep showing my love for your people cause you have set me free. I have everything I need and lots of things I want too, I’m yours to be of service to others who, Can get their lives in order and live in service for you. In spite of who I am and in spite of who I be, I belong to you Father God who loves me unconditionally.

A Message From “Shawty”

This is a message from Shawty and I hope you’ll agree, Without friends in this life where would we be? Yes, true friends in this life like you’ve been to me. You’ve been there when I was down and out and had nothing at all, You’ve been through the good and the bad times with me Through the winter, spring, summer, and fall, Together we’ve seen it all, All of the sunshine, joy, happiness too, All the ugliness, bitterness and yes, after all the tears I’ve cried you, Always knew what to do, To make me feel oh so brand new, And happy again, You are my one true friend who has always stuck beside me through thick and thin. Sometimes I may argue and even want to fuss and fight, But you look at me and say No Shawty, that’s just not right! I can’t be mean to you even after all you do, Cause you’re a good person I’m just sorry other people don’t recognize don’t have a clue,

As you are one of the most comionate people I know, One who is so loving and giving if they would just let you go, And do the things God intended for you to do, Cause I believe Shawty, I believe God has truly touched you. You once told me I am such a caring mother, You just didn’t see why a significant other, Would ever feel the need to abandon me or put me out, But pack up and leave is what I was forced to do and I did it and didn’t even shout, Or make a sound, no no noise could be heard, No, I didn’t mumble a single word, I just got my things, my daughters and left you see, cause my home is wherever I am, yes me and my children, we are my family. Back home did I come, back to 309, And ever since that day in ‘97 I’ve been doing fine. Got over here and started talking to you, Told me don’t worry about a thing Shawty, I’ll help you make it through, And now it’s been eleven years, my the years they come and they go, But some things stay the same and for that reason I love you so,

For being there for me at any time during the day or night, For putting up with me without an argument, fuss, or fight, For making me feel brand new after my world had been torn apart, For helping me with my children and for having such a generous heart, So here’s to you my friend, For all you do my friend, May our friendship always be true, cause you’re stuck with me and I’m stuck with you, But being stuck with you is not a bad thing, no not at all, You make sure I walk with my head straight up in the air; no you will not let me fall, like the others in my life who just ed through not knowing the real me for years, You helped see me through the tough times, the reality of these failed relationships, Yes, you helped me shed the tears, But I moved on and it’s no looking back for me you see, cause I’ve got you and I’ll always be your “Shawty”.

I Write To Release The Pain

I write to release the pain, That I’ve felt in each and every tear drop stain, That has fallen from my face over these years, see I’ve experienced lots of pain and I’ve shed lots of tears, see there were many times In life for me, Where things just didn’t turn out right, just couldn’t be, No just wouldn’t be, things just went all wrong for Ingrid Marie, But there’s a God up above who helps me and keeps showing me lots of love, Each and every time I hurt and feel I can’t make it through, I begin to feel sorry for myself I can hear him say what’s wrong with you? He tells me why the long face, blank stares as if you are lost and don’t know what to do. God says haven’t I told you not to worry, see that’s my job, so why don’t you please, Let me do what I was sent here to do, you just stay on bended knees. Why Lord? Why do we always try to fix things ourselves and just leave you out? Why don’t we just surrender our all to you, any way you’re the one with all the

clout. I can’t do anything unless it’s been ordained by you, So I must stop complaining when things go wrong, just stop to think things through. Once I get focused on what really matters my pain will easily go away, First I must deny myself, turn to help others and you’ll show me a brighter day, Yah, this one may be dark and dreary but hold fast another one’s on the way, cause it’s you my Lord who sets things in order and all this pain It just won’t stay, Cause you know where and what I’ve come from, oh yes you do, And you know how much of that pain I caused on myself but you still see me through. You told me to write what I feel whenever I feel lonely, sad or blue, Because for certain there’s another lost soul out there experiencing the same feelings too, So use me Lord, let me be of service for you, To show all your people how to release their pain too, No it may not be through writing, no that’s for me, But whatever takes them to their happy place with you is what will work for them They should try doing it and they’ll see, Just try doing what makes you feel, good and special, yes it’s true,

That when you help others feel good about themselves you will too, Just let God lead you and you’ll find the right way, Take the time to listen to what he has to say. I did and I’m truly glad indeed, Now through my writings I can help many hurting friends in need. Thank you Lord for helping me release my pain, You bring sunshine through each and every tear drop stain.

As Our Children Grow

As our children grow, We just don’t know, Which way they will go, No, but I’ve been blessed, Yes, filled with much happiness, Cause my children, well they’re the best, Always been a cut above the rest, And for that I thank God, I really do you know, For giving me the cream of his crop, my children as now it’s time they go, Oh how I’ve enjoyed their growing years, yes how I love them so, I have many memories in mind you see, That will never be erased nor simply replaced, they just can’t be. My children and I have experienced lots of joy and pain, Seen many hard and long days, yes some filled with lots of rain, But I wouldn’t want to have it any other way, No, not at all cause through it all we’ll always stay, Together, yes my four children and me, Guess that’s the way it was supposed to be,

I’ve spent my whole life livin’ As I’ve watched them grow and experience everything we’ve been given, Yes, our lives have truly been a gift from God up above, Who continues to supply us with nothing but love, Cause he made us and truly knows what each of us go through, That’s right, he already knew, What kind of mom I would be, he already knew the things I’d come to do, And say as we approach another Graduation day, Yes, today’s the day D Marie gets her Masters; they call it an MCC, I’m just so happy truly happy to be, Able to bask in the glory of knowing. How my girls grew up, stayed humble, stayed focused while no ugliness showing, Yes, cause we’ve faced many obstacles along the way, But I thank God for keeping us on our knees and for teaching us how to pray, Come on now, you know by now he’s the only way, To live right, be right, do right and stay, So focused, so prayed up to be, An obedient and loving people to worship thee,

Just keep Jesus on your mind and you’ll see, That everything will work out for you eventually, That’s what we did, Yes, me and each one of my kids, We’ve made it, and steadily moving on you know, Me as Mom still praying and staying ive of them as they continue to grow, And go on through life to see what God has for them till the very end, I’ve taught my children to get to know him and to make him their friend. I could write about my children for years you know, cause I’ve spent many precious moments watching them grow, But just as they grow, we as parents grow too, And I’m gonna leave the rest of their growing up to God, that’s what I’m gonna do!

If I Could Make Time Stand Still

Dedicated to my baby boy, Oliver Keith Adams, upon his high school graduation DHS CLASS OF 2012

I say where do I begin? Thought I had lots of time but that time has come to an end. Yah baby boy, you’ve done it! Your high school years are now a part of our past, Knew this day would come eventually but didn’t think it would get here so fast. see back in the day your year the Class of 2012 seemed so far away, Now it’s here and as I write only my memories will stay, Yes stay with me because you gotta move on I know, But Oliver, it’s gonna be so hard to let you go, But let you go is what I must do and so I will, Believe me; if l could I’d like to make time stand still. Yes, if I could I’d like to go back to your Monster truck days you know, You played the game of Soccer with so much ion; you were always on the go. I traveled North, South, East, and West all over to cheer for you,

Yes I have many picture perfect moments in my mind Of all the great soccer moves you loved to do. If somehow I could freeze the clock on the wall, I’d want to revisit the time you wore a helmet because I knew you would fall, Yes when you were little you climbed on everything, even though you were small Your helmet kept you safe and I was O.K. with it after all. Where did all those school years go? They were here and now they are all gone I’m telling you, It’s amazing how time flies as you watch your children grow and do the things they do. If I could make time stand still I’d be back at your Eighth Grade Transitional ceremony, Yes, it was great! What a moment in time as I watched you as the MC. Yah Mister you were the man of the hour that day and you know why? As all the awards were given your name was called as the outstanding eighth grade boy And all I wanted to do was cry. Cry tears of joy, and tears of surprise you know, Because you always have a way of being the star of any show. Moving on to your years at Big D, yes it was football for you, Being a Fighting Wildcat wearing the number 39 as Cornerback is what you decided to do.

And there I was up in the stands at Wildcat Stadium every Friday night, Just waiting to see you get on that field, I’d yell Go Rocket! Fight! Fight! Fight! Yes if I could make time stand still I’d do it in a heartbeat and you know why? In your Senior year out on that field you made a tackle I heard your name announced and it made me cry. I said that’s my baby, my son#39, Go Rocket Go! I’d waited four years at DHS for that moment so, It was great! Oh so awesome you see, Because it was Senior Night and I was proud as I could be. Yes there are many major Kodak moments throughout your high school years, But if I told you about them all I’d have to fight back so many tears. So I’ll just close this poem now just between you and me, Oliver I have lots of memories to treasure and with me is where they’ll always be!

Congratulations on your Graduation. Love, MOM

Where Did Those Pigtails Go?

DEDICATED TO MY THREE DAUGHTERS, DR. ASHAUNTA TUMBLIN, MRS. DIONDRA T. REYNAUD, AND MS. DANA MARIE TUMBLIN

I just woke up from a dream yet it seem so real ya know, My girls and I were being chased by dogs now where did the time go? Yes, where has the time gone? Well it’s gone away, Where did those pigtails go? Wish they were back here to stay. Where did those pigtails go? I have the answer, they disappeared as my daughters began to grow, And go on to become the successful women they are today, But just for a moment I want to go back in time if I may, Back in time when they wore pigtails, played board games And all lived back at home with me, Yes, back to the good ole days of snow balls, and when indoor picnics

At 309 on rainy days was the place to be. When my girls were little, oh we had so much fun, We did lots of things together before the setting of the sun, We would get in the car and ride here and there, Go places far away, sometimes places near or just anywhere. We’d read books that would make us laugh and some would make us dream, Some that would make us proud, while others would make us scream, Then at night back home is where we would be, I’d sing songs to them at bed time, yes me and my three. Where did those pigtails go? Seemed like they were all in pigtails just the other day, The years have gone by; they’ve grown up, no their pigtails were not here to stay, But the memories of my girls growing up will be with me for life, And it’s those memories that make being alone now OK, see no worries, no strife, Cause when my girls wore pigtails I enjoyed every minute of it and so did they, We knew the time would come when their pigtails would go away, That’s why we spent as much time together enjoying their lopsided pigtails and that was good,

If anyone knows anything about me, combing hair is not my thing, I never could, So they say, but their pigtails looked perfect good to me back in the day, And my girls never complained, they just went out and on their way. I could go on and on but my poem must now end. As I woke up from my dream to find I was alone again, But that’s OK, dreams come and dreams go, memories linger on in your mind, That’s right; you can pull them out and revisit them whenever you have the time. So that’s what I’ll do when I ask the question where did those pigtails go? I’ll revisit those moments, yes revisit those moments that I cherish so, Of three little girls named Shaunta, Dee and Dana Marie, Cause in my memory is where those pigtails will always be!

Here’s To The Class Of 1977

LOVE, SEX, HELL, HEAVEN, WE’RE THE CLASS OF’77

We’re the Class of ‘77 is what we would say, Upon approaching our graduation day, But right here and right now you see, I’d like to reflect on the moments that we, Shared as Senior classmates back in 1977 truly not so long ago, Yes, all the love and laughter we shared, moments I will always treasure so, As I look back to my precious school days, I can when Parliament and the P Funk were the entire music craze, I we enjoyed Peter Frampton with his Do You Feel like I Do? And Sir Elton John with the unforgettable Bennie and the Jets too, It was a time when wearing school uniforms; well they were not cool,

But my classmates, we were determined to enjoy going to high school, Now I know if my memory serves me right, Our days together as a class well they ed so fast and were quickly out of sight, Yes our precious time had truly come and gone it’s true, So take it from me, if you’re still in school enjoy every moment won’t you? Cause once it’s gone you can’t get it back again, Then you’ll be like me trying to sit a spell to recollect or find a friend, Who truly knows about all your memories, But as we grow older we tend to move on yes indeed. How about that song We May Never This Way Again? Well, looking back it’s the truth cause somehow through the years you lose touch With even a good friend, So just come along and take this journey with me, Upriver from New Orleans, LA to a Catholic high school named SCB. See back in the day SCB was a small high school in number but big on education you know, Yah, prepared us for college or the world of work as some of us would go,

We worn blue and gold emblems on our shirts saying Humilitas, oh yes it’s true, As we were taught to humble ourselves in the sight of others that’s what we were supposed to do, Didn’t mind much, we really didn’t pay attention to them back in the day, Just put on our uniforms and were off to school for fun and play. Wasn’t worried about Science Lab class with Mr. Crane, no not at all, Just counting down to football Friday to cheer for our Comets as they played ball, And our other subjects like English IV, oh we gave Mr. Sellers hell you know, He was such a devoted teacher, who really wanted us to learn and grow, He would repeat things over and over again, But we were happy to hear the bell ring to move out of his class to talk in the hall to a friend, As we were changing classes may be to go to Typing or ing with Mrs. Trepagnier, I tell you we had it so good, really good back in the day, And who could forget our wonderful Secretary Ms. Mary Grace, Who always kept everything together, just kept everything in place. Had a few principals, yah Vic Bonnaffee and Mr. Mannina too, Whatever happened to those gentleman? Are they still around? Does anyone have a clue?

Now at SCB we had lots of clubs and organizations too, Yes lots of fun things for our students to do. In Senior year I was in the Choir, on Dance team, in 4-H and so much more, At SCB you could start a club or group if we didn’t have what you were looking for, Now at last to talk about our big day, You guessed it; we had completed our course work and no longer could we stay, It was time for us to move on, graduation time for the Class of’77 you know, Time for us to go out into the world, time to spread our wings and go, But all the moments of our time at good old SCB, Well, those moments will forever stay with me. Moments of our Homecoming game, our classes and such, Moments of exchanging senior pictures, turning class rings and just so much, Yes so much more, yes all the things that go into your Senior year, Now years later I can still see all those moments so very clear, So here’s to the Class of 1977, yes to each and every one of you, You made studying and learning a fun filled thing to do.

Just Dance Comets Dance!

DEDICATED TO THE ST, CHARLES BORROMEO HIGH SCHOOL COMET DANCE TEAM OF 1974-1977

Whoever said high school was the best years of your life was right. cause I want to tell you about all of the fun to be had on a Friday night. Yes, you got it, Friday nights and high school football, well that spells fun, And out there on the football field at halftime is where it all begun, That’s it, back in the day when I was on the dance team, yes it’s true, I worked my way up to captain my Senior year cause I knew just what to do, To keep the crowd entertained and keep my squad in line, At St. Charles Borromeo being the head Comet felt mighty fine. Oh how I can look back now over all these years, And enjoy all the moments of being on the dance team, no didn’t care about any fears, cause back then we just had lots of good old fun you know, As we young teenage girls were just being girls,

yah as we would grow, And go on to graduate and may be never see each other again, But just for a lil’ while let me just when, It was back in the day, yah back in high school, When being on the dance team was oh so really cool. Me and my squad at St. Charles were called the Comets you see, We would go out on that field every Friday night looking really sharp baby, We made being a dancer at St. Charles so classy and such, That other girls and schools around us began to think just much, Yes, think much more of us, oh yes it’s true, Thought we were too holy to go on and dance the way we would do. Our squad may have been small but our dance team had lots of heart, cause at camp in the Summer we would compete and keep up With larger squads from the very start, We simply had a group of girls who were like family, yes we did, Went to school together, lived together and learned together back then, yes when I was a kid. If one girl had a problem then the whole squad would too, We’d put our heads together and decide together what

she should do, cause back then friends and family was all that we had, I’m so proud of my high school dance team, they made me so glad. I having to march in the Norco Christmas Parades, yes I do, Sometimes it was cold and our outfits had no jackets to hold on to, Nor jackets that would keep you warm during the cold, But I lead that dance team with pride, our Comets of Blue and of Gold. Got to perform at UNO for their basketball team too, It’s simply amazing what a lil’ practice can accomplish for you, And don’t forget all the fun we had riding to any away football game, Don’t matter how close, near or far, the fun was all the same. Oh the cheers and the chants we would sing on the bus, oh how cool, Makes you wanna go back today to relive high school, And the music we danced to how about those routines? Sometimes they were so difficult that learning them in the Summer would make me scream, But somehow I made it, learned them all back in those hot Summer days,

And was ready to strut my stuff in the Fall out on the field in a craze, Wanted to make my Mama proud when I was a kid, Wanted to dazzle the crowd, oh yes I did Wanted to represent my school, yes good old SCB, Wanted to be the best captain that they’d ever see, Had Ms. Paula as our sponsor back in the day, Well, years later she would teach my daughter and I could hear her say, There’s something about one of my students seems like I know her somehow you know, When I showed up for a parent meeting she realized and said Lord let It be so, She said she’s your daughter, oh yes, she has to be, Knew I had a bond with her in some way Ingrid Marie, Oh the years. How quickly they do , But it’s the moments like being on this dance team that will always make them last, And go on and on down through the years you know, As I now get to watch my granddaughter dance and grow. To my dance team the St. Charles Comets of yesterday, I want to say I’ll always love you in a special way, Want you all to know our moments together, well I’ll cherish them forever, yes I will,

Wished we could all be together again, wish I could make time stand still, But since I can’t I want you to know that these special moments of mine, And of us dancing together will remain with me till the end of time.

Yes, It’s Your Party So Go On And Cry

Whoever said you can’t be queen for a day? Well let me tell you how my kids made me feel special some way, Yes, they made me truly feel like a queen and this I know, Cause back in the day my children threw a party so, It was a surprise party on my 50th birthday, I was so happy, felt so good, and truly had no words to say, How much love I felt, felt like I was floating up in the sky, I was full of happiness, said Mom it’s your party so go on and cry, said it’s your party, you’re 50 today, said it’s your party, you deserve to feel special in every way. Now my children know how I struggled, yes truly did, Back in the past, especially when each one of them were just a kid, Lots of times I didn’t know just what we were gonna do, Counted on my strength in God to help us make it through, So let’s stop right here and right now today, And reminisce with me about my 50th birthday. Never had I been given such an elegant party with so much class,

How I wished the night would have grown longer so the fun could linger and last, Yes, last for more than just one night you see, But just for that one night a queen at her own ball is where I would be. Everything was decorated in my favorite color purple, and oh how nice, Yap, they even bought me a new purple outfit, yes cost them a pretty price, Had a well stocked bar with all brand name liquors and created my own drink, Ingeritta’s too, Had an endless buffet of great foods, a huge cake, it was so much fun I’m telling you, As I walked in to meet every family member and friend, Well that’s when all the fun truly all the fun started to begin, Cause if you know anything about me and my kids well, we put on Such elaborate programs you know, Everyone had such a special part, yes a special part in this special show, Even my grand children, yes, they sang with all their hearts too, It’s the kind of moment you spend ing your whole life through, Yes, it was my party, and everything, yes everything was fine you see, As I was dancing around the hall to the music played in

honor of me. Took pictures, yes lots of pictures were taken, yes pictures were taken for sure, As the DJ played and me and my guests stayed on the dance floor, Then all of a sudden I heard a big brass sound, Stopped in my tracks to see no one around, As the doors to the hall were opened and then would I see, The New Wave Brass Band coming in to Second Line with me, No that’s not it, no that’s not it at all, Cause after the brass band we would continue to ball, My kids brought the Mardi Gras Indians to dance with me, oh my, Yes cause it was my party so I could go on and cry, I was dancing and prancing around the hall just looking like royalty, I tell you my children didn’t forget no they didn’t forget about me, No they ed all the days I had gone without, had sacrificed so much, They ed when times got bad but still there was such, A smile to be found on my face when simply there wasn’t anything to smile about, They ed how I told them hard work pays off cause Somehow things always workout, Yes, it was my party, my 50th birthday and truly there was no doubt, That my children had worked hard to pull this night altogether without any clout,

And you may say why would they go through so much trouble and pain! Because they ed I did It for them and never seemed to complain, Yes, it was my party so yes, I had a right to go on and cry, It was my party, my kids had made me so happy, yes so happy I had to just sigh, And say Wow! This is great! I feel like a queen, I really do, I’m so very glad to be sharing my 50th birthday with all of you, And now as I have reviewed the moments from that very night, I know feeling like a queen for a day is so special, yes so right. I thank God for my children and I’m as proud as a mother could be, I thank God for watching over us and always taking care of me, My night had come to an end and this queen had truly enjoyed her ball, I thanked everyone, family member and friend, I thanked them one and all. Though the night would end and I would no longer be floating in the sky, It’s the moments I will cause it was my party and yes, I did cry!

With Love From Your Lil’ side Kick

Dedicated to my dearest cousin Ivy E. Ivey

Whatever happened to those two lil’ kids of yesterday? You know the ones at the end of Second Street who were so full of fun and play. they could always be found in that lil’ red and white house always stayed in that yard, And yes, how they longed to go out beyond their fence but that was so hard. ‘cause that was just not allowed, oh no Lawd, not at all. Those two had to stay in their place and no one could come to call. No, no one was allowed as they always had each other to play, Two lil’ girls born to two sisters who never ventured away. Kept those two girls together while growing up through thick and thin, Yes, that’s the way Ivy and I grew up together on Second Street in St. Rose back then. I was always with her and she was always with me. If she wasn’t around then alone would I be. We always traveled together the two of us as a pair, Most folks thought we were sisters, others knew we weren’t, they still didn’t

care, They still called us sisters and that was alright with me, ‘cause she’s as close to a sister as a sister could ever be. can’t say I ed where all those years went ya know, As I look back on them now it seems like it was just yesterday that we began to grow, But the years how quickly they do past, And now we both sit years away but our memories will always last, Yes memories of our lil’ red and white house on Second Street in St. Rose, Memories of fun in the sun playing & in our bright summer clothes. Flashbacks during hurricane Betsy as we hung on to the back wall of our house, yah, that was scary as a kid, But we made it through my family who prayed cause we waited too late to leave the House oh yes we did. Christmas memories of Grandma Gladys making fruitcakes and home brew wine, Yes, holidays back then were real special, yes all favorites of mine. I could go on to tell you oh so much more, I had all the things kids nowadays are looking for, I was always there tagging along with you as I was the

youngest ya know, Always-happy to be tagging along; wherever we would go. all our walks and talks and all our giggles on a Sunday night? That makes growing up with someone special and so right. I never had a sister or brother from my mother you know But that was o.k., it was the two of us, me as your side kick together we would grow. Oh how I wish we could still be those two lil’ girls again, And be back on Second Street playing in our yard my friend. Times es on and those years have come and gone, But something will always stay the same and this we know is true. You’ll always be there for me and as your lil’ side kick I will always be there for you!

Love ya,

Always,

Ingrid 8/27/2011 1:04 AM

Becoming Teacher Of The Year

DEDICATED TO MY#1 TEACHER, MY DAUGHTER, MRS. DIONDRA T. REYNAUD

You told me you were nominated for Teacher of the year, And somehow I could see the results of you winning very clear, Cause yes, from the beginning Dee, yes from your very start, You would put your mind to work on things; you’d give it your whole heart. There’s one thing I know and this I know is true, When you want something there’s just no stopping you. I’ve seen you in your classroom, yes I’ve seen you hard at work it’s true, You were simply born to teach and go on to do all the things that you do, Cause your job as a teacher; oh it just doesn’t end, For some of your students you’ve become their doctor, counselor and their friend, And those of you reading this poem maybe asking me why,

why is this so? I am truly, truly glad you’ve asked me cuz I want to let you know, That Dee’s been in the trenches of many schools good and the bad, She’s seen many smiling faces on students turn suddenly sad, Because they had no one who fought for them and no one to care, No one who understood their malnourished minds, no one who wanted to share, No one to pick them up from where they were and say baby it’s OK, It’s not where you are now; it’s where you’re going anyway, See she’s the kind of teacher that can work with much or a little if that’s all she’s given, Cause she’ll find a way to reach her students, that’s how she makes her livin’, She knows everything may not be perfect for all of her students, and yes that’s true, But in Mrs. Reynaud’s class, students learn how to be the best in everything they do, You probably thought I was not excited, no not excited when you won yah know, But that’s why I’ve dedicated this poem Dee just to tell you so, I’m so very proud of you for winning Teacher of the Year, You made teaching seem so simple; you make learning seem so dear, I want the world to know, yes truly I do,

I want the world to relive that special moment of you, On your big night, that night of the Teacher’s program you see, When you came through that door looking as dapper as could be, I clapped so loud and I clapped so long for you, Cause I know all the pain and hard work that you had to go through, No, it’s not easy to teach and reach every student on every given day, But Dee, I tip my hat off to you, cause you keep finding a new way, To keep your students interested in learning despite all their troubles in life, To keep them motivated to go on when they face nothing but strife. You seem to keep it together for them each and every day, You seem to be able to show them school is their only way, To reach their dreams, the ones you teach about all year through, Any school district would be truly lucky, truly lucky to have you, And my daughter it has been an honor to have shared your moment that night, When you made learning for life so special, so special in our sight, Although the ceremony had to come to an end you see, I will always have the moments of the night in my memory. I want you to know that I love you, truly love you my dear, And thanks for that special moment on becoming Teacher of the Year.

Thanks For The Moments

And now what can I simply say? As I’ve had so many moments in life that were special in some way, Yes really where can I begin? I just want to relive, yes share them with you again, see special moments, yes they come and go, But you can relive those moments by sharing them so, Let’s stop now, yes here and now and go back through the years, And review some of my moments, some happy while others made me shed many tears, But that’s OK cause it’s all a part of life, can’t be all sun shiny days all happy with no strife, No that’s just not the way real life is, no not at all, That’s why reminiscing about such moments are so special and not so small, Cause time moves on so we have to move on too, But that’s why certain moments in life become special to you, Take the years we as parents spend on raising our children you know, I turned around one day and found myself asking where did those pigtails go? Cause my girls, well they were all grown up you see,

Time had ed so fast and now they had planned my 50th birthday party. Told me it’s your party so go on and cry and cry is what I did, As I realized my children were all grown up even their lil’ brother was no longer a kid, Yes, my one and only son had graduated from high school, now how could that be? Wished I could just turn back the hands of time and make time stand still for me. Now I know I can’t do that, no as no one can make time stand still you know, But just for a moment, it would be great as we watch our children grow, Yes, there are so many moments with me and my kids you see, Let’s go back to my younger days, yes go back with me, To a time when I was a kid so full of fun and play, To a time when I was on the dance team at SCB back in the day, Yes, we Comets dressed in that blue and gold on a Friday night, Made those high school weekends great, I thought they were outta sight, Well, at least that was a cool saying back then, Things got to be real to me suddenly when, It was our graduation day back in 1977, Oh yes, it’s true, Outta sight and outta mind, some of my classmates would become, Also some of the things I used to do, As it was time to move on to college and the work world for me,

That I have no complaints, No not one regret baby. I would go on to move into the next stage of my life, As a college student, a lover, a mother and a wife, To all of those years, there’s only been one person with me and that’s true, From my very beginning as a kid and all the years through, That would be you Ivy, as close as a sister could be, I would go on to call myself your lil’ sidekick cause it was always just you and me, Throughout all our years and moments together back in the day, Born the only daughters of two sisters,we grew up, live together and will ever stay, Close to each other, as our mothers always wanted us to be, Raising our children together, that’s what makes us a strong family, And oh how can I forget to mention my Teacher of the Year, For it was such an elegant and unforgettable moment my dear, Dee, you did it, you did it girl, and you really made us all so proud you know, Winning that Teacher of the Year award is proof that education is still a part of us so, We work hard, yes our family sure does, it’s true, We’ve learned that hard work pays off, truly does in everything you do,

Now some moments as I look back weren’t always happy, no not at all, Some moments made me very unhappy, I felt shallow and even very small, But through, those moments you have friends that call you Shawty who truly know you, It’s those kinds of friends that keep you sane and help to see you through, All the bad times, just downright sad times in your life, Yes, In spite of who I am these folks help to make everything alright. I could go on and on and reminisce about my moments all day, But it’s time to place these treasured moments away, Yes, it’s time to tuck them deep down in my heart and sigh, Thanks, many thanks for the moments of Days Gone By!

Conclusion

After reading this book you may say where has all the time gone? I know we all feel that way as time just keeps moving on. Although we can’t make time stand still, we will always have our memories and moments to share with others. Thanks for traveling down memory lane with me as we both revisited those special people, places and things OF DAYS GONE BY.

WRITINGLY YOURS, INGRID GREEN ADAMS