"I'M GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT....."

A series of essays.....

~~CORINNE, JANIS, AND ALEXANDRIA~~
THREE EARTH ANGELS
  

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE that very few of us have enough of throughout our lifetime. The aging process is not always kind and our ‘cup that runneth over with patience and tolerance’ may begin to evaporate and its precious contents drop by several finger widths as time goes by. When we love someone and recognize that their patience is running thin due to justified intolerance or the recognition that time is turning into a misty compilation of memories, may we have the understanding to hold them close to our hearts. May we have the emotional resources to be able to soothe their trembling bodies and souls and whisper softly into their ear...I’m gonna love you through it; I’m going to be there with you every step of the way. I can’t help but think how many lives have been saved because someone loved them through the bad times along with the good.

EARTH ANGELS ABOUND and drift softly among the pages of our lives like delicate snowflakes glistening in the winter sunlight, untethered, not connected to or limited by the earthly restraints of fear, hate or deviousness. Never encumbered by perceptible ethereal wings comprised of burnished plumage, they live, love, and laugh beside us day and night and wear labels of honor invisibly pinned to their chests the likes of friend, daughter, co-worker, Mother, stranger, husband, teacher, son, Father, organ donor, wife, or guardian (angel?). We can be earth angels ourselves and not even realize it just by bestowing random acts of kindness onto others; by understanding that even our own invisible wings can wrap around someone in need as we whisper softly that we’re gonna love them through it no matter how long it takes.

“I TRY TO BE CHARITABLE. I think that’s the greatest virtue.” John Mahoney, beloved actor of stage and screen, passed away this week and we remaining, unknowledgeable mortals have, as usual, been learning more about his incredible life only after his death. John, aptly, epitomized the true meaning of the phrase, “I’m gonna love you through it.....” via his powerful words and generous beliefs. “Charity is more important than telling the truth. I think sometimes the virtue is making sure you don’t hurt anybody’s feelings, as opposed to patting yourself on the back saying, ‘Oh, well, I had to tell them the truth,’” he says. “I’m pretty much in a spiritual state most of the time. Yes, you make mistakes. And yes, you do things that you shouldn’t do, but you will be forgiven, and you will be loved, and you won’t be loved less. You will be loved just as much as you were before you made the mistakes.” John Mahoney’s God is a kind God.

JOHN MAHONEY AS MARTIN CRANE
ON THE SIT-COM SET OF 'FRAZIER'

                         Courtesy of Stuff.co.nz 

COMMUNICATION, LOVE, FEARLESSNESS, AND CHARITABLENESS: Life skills that help to define the goals that serve to make our life the greatest it can be. I ask you, what do we have to fear or lose when we truly understand that we are only here on this earth for a finite amount of time? The brave act of practicing these virtues is the hardest thing we will ever hope to accomplish during our brief stay here. If and when we succeed in this quest, even if it takes us to our final days here on earth, I genuinely believe we will have brilliantly uncovered the true ‘Meaning of Life’ much to the betterment of ourselves and, hopefully, others. In our time of need, what a wonderful feeling to have someone   hold us and say, "I'm gonna love you through it...." This is a personal mantra and message we could use to aid in our own healing process.

MAKE EACH NEW DAY ONE THAT is infused with that 'service bent' attitude. We may give thanks each morning for the new day that’s been given to us as we swing our legs out from under the warm sheets. We may, also, ask for blessings and protection for those we love (including ourselves) before snuggling back into those same sheets at night. It is when we become consciously aware of any opportunity to spread our wings and say to our fellow man, “I’m gonna love you through this bad boy, my friend,” will we understand that by loving them, we will be, in turn, honoring ourselves. Any goodwill gesture will return to us tenfold and continue to spread its kindness around the world. Each of us is a collection of mistakes, and, often, we do things we shouldn’t do, but we will be forgiven because we must believe that John Mahoney’s God is a kind God....

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

TWO COFFEES AND A DATE WITH JOE

A series of essays.....

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
~AMERICAN PROMISE TOUR~

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

“Let’s try the ramp right across from the Center. It’s still pretty early so....it should be okay.”

“Works for me! The closer the better because it looks like it might rain.”

“No it won’t."

“Look how gray it is. Why would you say that?”

“Because you’re going to carry your umbrella around with you all night long and that, usually, is enough to jinx the rain.”

“Hope you’re right.”

BEAU AND JOE BIDEN

                                        Courtesy: Closer Weekly

“How hungry are you? I mean, we have plenty of time before they even open the outer doors and we could walk anywhere downtown to grab a bite. Personally, I’m not all that hungry.”

“Okay. Here’s Starbucks right in the Grand Bohemian (Hotel) and I’d really like my ‘Dirty Chai’ right now.”

“Well, with a short walk to the Dr. Phillips Center afterward, this is a good idea.’ (Opening the door to the coffee shop)

ANTICIPATING JOE AND
HOST, ELIZABETH VARGAS

“These chairs are very comfortable. Please don’t let me fall asleep....I’ll, probably, snore and embarrass us both!”

“If you drink your double shot espresso chai...I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that. Do you?”

“No, you’re right. I really like this stuff. Sorry I’ve turned into a ‘Dirty Chai’ addict, but this is so yummy! Your ‘Smoked Butterscotch’ smells good, too. (He offers her his cup to take a sip.) That’s good. I thought it would be too sweet. It isn’t at all.”

(Both sit in silence for a moment while observing the two college age women studying together at the opposite end of the long, wooden table the four of them are sharing near the front window of the shop.)

“So, let’s talk about Joe. How political do you think he’s going to be? (He asks, breaking the silence.) I believe most of us in the audience will be hoping for a political rally cry, of sorts, from him. Heck, I’d settle for some truths, common sense, and wisdom right about now.”

“(Closing her eyes) His voice. It’s the tone and sound of his voice for me. (Opening her eyes) Joe is the quintessential voice of reason, true. But, the tone and balance of his soft voice, and how comforting it makes me feel, makes him the quintessential Father, Husband, Grandfather, and.....Friend. I know we could all use a bit of comfort these days.”

“Hope. We could all use a bit of that, too. But, I know what you’re saying. Joe offers a feel-good vibe that resonates with people of all age groups and beliefs. Barack knew what he was doing when he asked Joe to be his running-mate.”

“Two wise, intelligent people working together.....  What are the odds of that ever happening again?”

“It will happen. It has to happen, again. One person can’t alienate an entire country! Can he? There will always be Thinkers and Believers out there to counteract and neutralize what’s happening in Washington today. Let’s just make it to November and we’ll see the difference. We’re already feeling the difference every single day.”

“Maybe Joe will help give us more insight and depth on this....that is, if he gets political. This whole thing is about his late son, Beau, and how family means so much to him. About Joe writing this book and the promise Beau made him commit to before he passed away. I think it’s about youth, too. Not just losing Beau at the young age of forty-six, but, also, losing his wife and young daughter years ago. And yet...he still takes the time to comfort others in time of need. He’s a good man.”

“He is a good man. You mentioned youth. (Taking a moment to take the last swig of his coffee) We’re the ‘old farts’ around now, you know, including Joe. It used to be our grandparents and then our parents and now....it’s us. We always knew it would happen. All of this accumulated knowledge we’ve stored ‘upstairs’ throughout the years isn’t anything to push aside or take lightly. It has to mean something to others.”

“I agree. Try explaining that to our children and grandchildren!” 

(He chuckles out loud) “Don’t know what you’ve got until you lose it, as the old saying goes. But, let’s think in terms of people such as Joe Biden. His accomplishments when dealing with the Ukraine, Central America, and Iraq brought with it a sense of triumph even though he was riddled by heart wrenching pain dealing with Beau’s illness; Beau’s death.”

“I haven’t read his book yet. I wish I had going into this tonight just to gather a bit of insight, if nothing else. But, what I see in Joe is a man who knows, not only the value of his own family and friendships but, the value of our youth and what they have to offer, contribute, and accomplish in terms of creating the balance this country has lost in the past year and so desperately needs, once again. I want to see lots and lots of young people listening to Joe tonight! I need to know that his in-depth knowledge and finesse truly means something to them.”

“I do, too.”

“I don’t think I can drink this whole thing. (Holding her coffee cup at eye level) My tummy has been upset all day.”

“You don’t have to finish it, you know. I hope it’s just ‘minimal crud’ and not the flu. (Placing the back of his hand up to her forehead and smiling) Nope! No fever here.”

“I think its just a busy week to look forward to between writing, writing and posting, cleaning the house, and coming-up with some creative meal ideas.......all before our company arrives on Friday.”

“Hey, don’t worry about the house. (Sliding back his chair to get up) It always looks great and, besides, Jan and Fred are coming to see us, to talk, laugh, and, unfortunately, commiserate with us over the last year of a Trump administration. (Helping her gather her things) Don’t forget your umbrella.”

(Both take a moment to nod their good-byes to their temporary table-mates)

“They opened the front doors about ten minutes ago. Glad we’re so close. (Walking outside) It really has turned out to be a warm, beautiful night in Downtown Orlando! Glad my umbrella is still working! Let’s go people watch while we wait in the lobby. I want to see who’s here to show some respect and love for this amazing man.”

CEILING ABOVE STAGE AT
DOCTOR PHILLIPS CENTER FOR
THE PERFORMING ARTS

THE AUTHOR AND HER BETTER HALF

RIGHT ON TIME!

READY TO BEGIN ~~
IN FRONT OF A PACKED HOUSE

(An hour and fifteen minutes later.....)

“Let me snap a picture of you in front of the building. Thanks. (Stashing her newest i-Phone back into the pocket of her purse) You know what, I just thought of something interesting. You and I have been to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts twice now. Each time it was to see and listen to a man named Joe.”

“Never thought about that. But, you’re absolutely right! Joe Bonamassa for his amazing musical talents and Joe Biden for his soothing words of wisdom.”

“If things come in threes....what ‘Joe’ is closely associated to the production of Hamilton coming next season? Just hoping, I guess. (Wide smile spreading across her face)

“Well, if I remember my history correctly, Alexander Hamilton did not have a middle name....let alone the nickname of Joe. Sorry.”

(Blending in with the crowd heading back to the parking ramp)

“Elizabeth Vargas asked Joe some great questions and, actually, succeeded in making him cry several times.”

“I agree but, Joe was going to break down no matter what she asked him. I really think she was there to hold his hand along the way. May we never have to endure such personal pain. It was so good to see this graceful, intelligent man on stage who is familiar with the ins and outs of the crazy, mixed-up, world of politics, and knows how to handle all of it so well. I’m not denying he would have made a great President.”

“Crazy thing is, he still could be. You never really know what’s going to happen, as we can attest to with the current White House resident, right? I feel we know a little bit better where Joe stands after tonight. Let’s see, he mentioned Booker, Harris, Murphy, Gillibrand, Cuomo, Klobuchar, and Kennedy, to name a few.....! Heck, I’d like to throw in Rachel Maddow myself.”

“Everything would be explained to us in explicit detail with Rachel at the helm, that’s for sure!”

A BEAUTIFUL EVENING IN ORLANDO

“Even though he mainly focused on what he wrote in Promise Me, Dad, the audience was totally receptive to his implications about running again if need be. Even though his angle was directed towards our young, aspiring politicians, I could almost see the twinkle in his eyes when we enthusiastically clapped over a possible third go at it. I felt he was kind of testing the waters with this book tour.”

“After all....it is called his ‘American Promise Tour!’  Hey, those were pretty great seats I got, right?”

“Good job, Honey.”

(Wrapping her arm around his)

“I was happy to see so many young people here tonight. It makes me feel good to believe that they care enough to get involved and listen to the words of the recent past in order to make a better life for themselves and their families. They must not become complacent about the future....hard work and dedication are critical. Thank you, Sweetheart, for my amazing Christmas gift! I’ll happily remember our coffee and Monday night date with Joe.”

“You’re very welcome. I thought you’d like to listen to him. (Opening the passenger door and taking a bow) Your chariot awaits....”

“Ten minutes drive home and I can kick my shoes off. Hallelujah! A perfect ending to a wonderful evening. And, I get to fall asleep tonight melting into the soft, inspirational words of Joe Biden. A very special night.....”

“And, a dry one. So glad you brought your umbrella!”

                                                   Courtesy: ABC13 Houston

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

SEEING THE LIGHT: KEEPING A PROMISE TO MYSELF

A series of essays.....

LIGHT SHOT THROUGH CUT GLASS CRYSTAL
~MORNING LIGHT SHINES THROUGH OUR
WATERFORD VASE IN THE FOYER~

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Just as light reflection shot through perfectly cut glass crystals bring out the best ‘sparkle’ and can be so luxuriously pleasing to the human eye, keeping promises made to yourself from the deepest depths of your being can make you shine like the brightest star in the heavens. 

I am shining on both the inside and outside these days because I have kept a promise to myself for over a year now and I will not waiver from it until the outcome I hope to see has been, undeniably, achieved.

Before I explain the promise I made to myself, please allow me to set the stage by taking a moment to run by only a few things that are happening in our world today:

The worst flu epidemic to happen in years.

The annihilation of the Republican Party by the most incompetent leader of the Free World.

Weather patterns above and beyond what has been considered ‘normal.’

The Women’s March growing by leaps and bounds after chalking-up its 2nd year!

Sadly, gun violence and mass shootings becoming the norm within our social make-up.

Many of us, for the second time, living through the threat and fear of a nuclear holocaust.

Puerto Rican school children cheering for ‘the light’ after four months of living in the darkness without power.

Acknowledging that equal rights for all has yet to be achieved. Will that day be in my lifetime?

The financial and social status of one percent of the population is actively attempting to obliterate the rest of our nation’s population including the elderly, the weak, the poor, as well as annihilate the structure of the middle class. Attempting to take away our Social Security Benefits, health insurance, our right to clean air and water, and ignoring scientific facts and findings regarding global warming.

The cruel and unnecessary plight of the Dreamers and DACA recipients. 

I could go on and on and on with this list. It drags me down to think that in 2018 our country is not progressing as it should, but instead we are retreating into the past; a past that this present administration considers to be Making America Great Again. With the power of a dictatorship such as the likes in Russia today, their dictator, Vladimir Putin, has been directing and controlling this current president like his own personal marionette in order to attempt to break apart what the United States has always stood for: Democracy! Freedom! Individual Rights! And, the right to speak openly and freely without fear or recrimination! All the while the words ringing in our ears straight from the poetic pen of Emma Lazarus: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Do you recall ever having read a novel that described the perpetrator getting away with what might be considered ‘the perfect crime?’ As you read along with the storyline you begin to realize that many factors are involved in the apparent success of this intricate plot to rob, murder, or discriminate against another human being or institution. The talented author expertly weaves the various contributing factors into the plot denoting apparent perfection by pointing out fastidious planning, behind the scenes backing (including Big Money), perfect timing, and hitting the mark when people and situations appear to be at their most vulnerable.

Certainly, timing was everything for this foreign dictator as he plotted and planned out one of the greatest takeovers of Democracy today, concentrating heavily within the United States but encompassing Western Europe, as well. 

He needed the perfect pawn available and found him in Trump. With Trump’s propensity for greed, the manipulation of others, and desire to be looked upon as powerful and brilliant....the task of buttering him up was minimal. Trump was ripe for the taking. The vendetta he holds against the goodness and intelligence shown by Barack Obama is obscenely apparent throughout his ‘Birther Movement,’ as well as the simple fact that Barack’s strengths and popularity have galled Trump for years. Having the opportunity to retaliate against the 44th President was the cheese set out as bait in the Putin rat trap. 

Dividing the main principals of the people of any country through the means of fear and hatred weakens its chances of being strong from within; making it highly vulnerable to any outside influence. The last few years of extreme police brutality and massive gun violence with obvious disrespect for human life, has been breaking down the existence of law and order and weakening the fine line between good cop/bad cop, right and wrong, and enhancing a ‘gestapo-like’ influence of free-for-all Wild West brutality. This, unfortunately, is evidenced in the increasing power and brutality used by ICE (U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement) officers, Border Patrol police, and White Supremacist groups that believe in a political, economic, and cultural system in which whites overwhelmingly control power.... 

And why not? They’ve been given a free, anything goes, pass by their great leader, Trump, who has displayed his indiscriminate tendencies of racial profiling and hatred for many years. 

THESE STATS ARE DATED AS OF YESTERDAY,
JANUARY 24, 2018, AND INCLUDES DEATH, INJURIES,
AND NUMBER OF INCIDENTS REPORTED AND
VERIFIED  ~ THIS NUMBER CHANGES
DRASTICALLY EACH DAY AND
DOES NOT INCLUDE SUICIDES!

Looking at the chart above, you have to realize that we are only in the third week of this brand new year. 

Couple this attitude with the powerful backing of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and you have a steaming shit cocktail that’s guaranteed to disrupt and change all previous rules of law, order, and civility. By circulating its power throughout the various organizations who are paid to protect us, not brutalize us, and giving the 'green light' to the hate mongers, monsters are created and existing miscreants thrive. Special Counsel, Robert Mueller, understood early on that following the ‘money trail’ would shed the most light on understanding the motives behind the Trump administration and its connection to Russia, Big Money, and Power!

What on earth sparked this colossal revelation of mine today in the first place, with this day being just one more in the continuing clown show we call our government?! It feels bazaar sitting here gazing up at the vertiginous sky, mind wandering around in circles like a child lost in the middle of Time Square. Honestly, it was the simple act of remembering why I have not changed my Facebook profile picture in slightly over a year.... And, firmly vowing not to do so as long as we have these selfish, demoralizing people in the White House. When he and all of the similar ilk around him are formally expelled for many or all of the reasons I spoke about above...It will be a pleasure and a blessing to remove this badge of courage and exchange it for one filled with beauty and love (pictures with my grandchildren); vendetta having been recognized and, ultimately, rectified.

Already we see an upsurge in the number of women running for elected office from city mayors to Congresspersons, Senators, and Governors of the states they live in and will be proud to represent in Washington, D.C.  And, as long as that glass ceiling remains, virtually, intact, the sky is the limit for each and every one of them. 

My heart swells with the knowledge that many men regard female strength with such openness and anticipation, as if they have known for years that the simple act of injecting fresh, new ideas into the positions formerly held by (old/white) men would spark a major effort towards change, fill the cracks with a bit of softness, and allocate plenty of determination and new vibrations throughout the land. Bless all of you fine gentlemen! Gratefully, I know quite a few of you.

In my firm belief that Women Can Stop Trump, this symbol will remain right where it is as my profile picture, proudly displaying my innermost feelings while representing my steadfast belief in the power of women all over the world! The day it is removed and changed will be a day of celebration acknowledging the calculated progress into the future of our Democracy!

Author’s Note: It is better to enjoy life than to let it eat you up. So, I will celebrate life by believing that the truth will overcome. In honor of life (and speaking the truth), we are off to see and listen to Vice President Joe Biden next Monday, January 29, at the Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts in downtown Orlando! Embrace the moment! 

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

CHANCES ARE.....

A series of essays.....

THE STATE THEATER ON SOUTH MICHIGAN STREET,
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

Photo Courtesy The South Bend Tribune Archives



.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

My dear Mother couldn’t drive a car when we were growing-up. Whatever her lack of motivation was, fear of the unknown or generational apathy, we were, pretty much, transportation deprived and depended upon bicycles and our own two feet more often than not. Since Dad was on-the-road for work most weekdays, there wasn’t even a car in the garage for Mom to use if she had to. Public transportation often became our modus operandi and that’s just how we rolled!

As children, we became quite dependent upon Mom’s ability to take advantage of public transportation. Fortunately, we lived in large enough towns that offered convenient city bus service, electric cable cars 🚎 (when I was a small girl in the early 1950's), and even a train, the South Shore Line, that could take us into Chicago for the day and then back home again that evening.

CABLE CAR IN DOWNTOWN
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA ~ CIRCA 1940'S

INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW STREAMLINE
CITY BUS IN JANUARY OF 1960

Upon these excursions into the city to buy school clothes, go Christmas shopping, and have lunch with Mom, we were given extensive rules and regulations to follow to the last letter. Basically, being a single Mom for most of the week, she never lost sight of the fact that gathering and keeping her small children close by her was of paramount importance towards the success of these outings. For the most part, we complied.

Chances are, you recall being a young child, seemingly left to your own devices while traversing the children’s department of, let's say, the downtown Wolf & Dessauers in Fort Wayne, or Robertson’s Department Store in South Bend, Indiana. If we were lucky and Mom could afford to splurge, we found ourselves having lunch at Robertson’s Tearoom and Luncheonette between shopping events. And, when we were very, very good, chances were we’d take-in a matinee at the Colfax theater or the State theater 🎭 on S. Michigan Street. 

FIRST FLOOR OF ROBERTSON'S
DEPARTMENT STORE. ~ 1963

Photo/Tribune Archives

Believing we were left to our own devices had its unpleasant consequences that, generally, broke any positive mood Mom may have been luxuriating in during our day downtown together. I seem to recall one of these examples and was always reminded of it when I would take my own young children shopping with me many years later. 

It left me cold and disoriented at the vulnerable age of two or three when I lost my Mother for what seemed like...forever! I was a good kid and I tried to listen to my parents to the best of my ability. But, sometimes, even the best intentions go awry when you are so young and don’t understand why certain limitations are placed upon you. What evil lurks beyond sight of the hem of her brown, tweed coat and the sound of the familiar shuffle of the black pump shoes that carried her across the white marble floors? Life, at that time, seemed so settled, safe, and warm. 

As in the pacification of a crying infant, my stifled sobs were soon appeased by the unfamiliar face of a store clerk who had heard unusual sounds coming from the closed cupboard below her cash register; a cupboard meant to store hangers, paper shopping bags with brown, twine handles and the store’s logo emblazoned across their front. And, obviously, wayward little girls who had lost their Mothers while playing hide-and-seek among the racks of hanging clothes on the congested floor of the children’s department. 

LOOKING AT A CHRISTMAS DISPLAY IN A
WINDOW OF WOLF & DESSAUERS
IN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA ~ CIRCA 1950'S

Photo Courtesy wboi.org

Little did I know that a full-blown APB had been issued by my Mother minutes beforehand. During those few moments of time, coupled with the fact that I was having a grand time dancing 💃 with the pink and blue snowsuits hanging down from their little white, plastic hangers one aisle over, all sorts of crazy, evil scenarios entered Mom’s mind like sticking points in a Truman Capote novel. You see, as I sat in the comforting darkness I’d placed myself in....if only to avoid the pain of loss and disorientation, my sobs obscured the calls of my name as my poor Mother and the nice ‘store lady,’ tortoise shell eyeglasses dangling from a silver chain around her neck, frantically looked for me. 

At this point, I’m pretty sure my older brother was taking it all in from his cozy perspective while sitting on a chair situated near the dressing rooms not too far away. After all, poor Mom couldn’t afford to lose both of us and proceeded to anchor him down with her heavy coat and purse, and any packages she may have been carrying at the time of my disappearance along with the explicit instructions to stay put!

Even though I was oblivious to what evils might be lurking around us in the form of child snatching or human trafficking, my Mother was not. The pure relief on her beautiful face was more than obvious to me as she reached down into the dark cupboard only to whisk me up and into her protective arms....her tears saturating the shoulder of my little, navy blue coat. I didn’t believe my chubby, little arms could ever squeeze her neck as tightly as they did but my vice grip mirrored her own and we remained that way for quite some time.

Mother was a wise woman. She did not waste her breath on scolding me. Her intention was not to place the fear of God in me in the form of my Father’s wrath by saying, “Wait until I tell your Dad about this!” No, nothing like that. Chances are she truly wanted to, if only to relieve her own distress. My Mother knew that we had both experienced a valuable lesson that day. I would never again lose sight of my Mother in public places if only out of fear of being in dark spaces with hangers stabbing me in the side. And, Mother renewed her understanding of how precious the gift of life was in the form of her own flesh and blood. To even imagine losing that life was unthinkable, unbearable for her. 

Thinking back, we may still have had lunch in Robertson’s Tea Room and Luncheonette....after Mom dug my brother, Ronnie, out from under his weighty coverings in the chrome-armed chair and she dabbed at the tears on our faces with soft, white tissues smelling of her cologne after having lived in her purse for a while. 

ROBERTSON'S DEPARTMENT STORE
TEA ROOM AND LUNCHEONETTE

Photo Courtesy South Bend Tribune Archives

Now, you and I both know that my Father heard about my infantile misadventures not long after he arrived home from his long work week. I still don’t know if Mom told him the entire story or not. But, what I do believe is that chances are my older brother had something to do with passing along this information to him soon after he entered the back door. But, by that time, it didn’t matter. I already knew how much I was wanted. All I had to do was picture my dear Mother’s face in my mind and....I knew how much I was loved. Her generous spirit is alive and well in my heart to this very day!

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved