9 -Chosen Family, in the 1960s and in 2016!
At 11 years old in southwest GA and being in a family with both parents working, I had the enriching experience of interfacing with our African American community even in an era when much social connection was somewhat rare. Four women became part of my family during the years I was growing up. To this day, I treasure and appreciate the influence each of them had on my life.
As I peruse my diaries from the years of childhood until I graduated high school, I am reminded of four names surrounded by love and connection, much as I would have had for an aunt or sister.
I’d like to pay tribute to them with just a few words about each. Ms. Josephine, Ms. Parry Lee, Ms. Claree, and Ms. Clara are women who remain in my heart, even as I’ve been away from my hometown since the 1970's.
Ms. Josephine holds the place in my earliest memory. Since my mom worked part-time when I began school, she sought out a household helper. Ms. Josephine came into our home maybe once a week. She and my mom would work together cleaning house, doing laundry and other household maintenance. I had less contact with her, simply because her time in our home was somewhat limited, but she was always so kind and interacted with me always with love and care.
Ms. Parry Lee worked in our home more frequently than the once a week during a time when my mother began working more hours away from home. She was not in the best of health herself; therefore, she remained employed with us only about 2–3 years. She came late afternoons and remained at our house until my parents were off work. I got to know her fairly well. She prepared the evening meal for us a couple times a week. I recall visiting in her home just up behind the Little Grand Canyon Motel. She adored our little dog, Tiny who actually followed her home on several occasions. Parry Lee would give us a call to come pick the dog up. She had a very generous and loving spirit.
Later in my young life, Ms. Clairee came daily to our home. She was indeed a multi-tasker! She really filled a role of nanny, housekeeper, cook, and confidant, many of the roles of a mother. I visited her in my hometown just a couple of years ago as she had just turned 85. What a pleasure I had meeting some of her extended family and looking through photo albums as we sat on her sofa in her family room and caught up on so many years. She is a true lady in every respect. I definitely formed a bond with her, as she was much more frequently in my life as a young child.
I end my tribute with a woman who came into my life more at the beginning of my teenage years. She deserves a very special place of honor, both in my memories and in my life today. What a pleasure it was getting to know Ms. Clara! Since she and I were only 12 years apart in age, she insisted on just being called Clara. We bonded more as sisters. Clara was with my family at the time I lost my mom. Although she worked at the post office part-time, she made herself available to us for support and counsel any time we desired. After my mother died in 1968, Clara remained a steady and reliable presence for my brother and me. I felt I could talk with her about most anything. Up until my father died in 1980, I would see Clara whenever I was home for a visit. Once both my parents had passed away, my visits back to my hometown became infrequent. However, I always make a special effort to see her whenever I’m back in town.
I just spoke with Clara today and got permission to use her “real name” with her pictures. She is doing well and spoke with me about her children, grand children, and great-grandchildren. She was happy to share that my childhood neighborhood friend has just been elected mayor of our small town. :)
