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Around 9 AM a “man” appeared on my porch….now…he looked familiar…but remembering names is just not my strong suit.
As we began to talk, I realized a friend I had not seen for 50 years was in my presence, Thomas (Tom) Everett! Tom graduated in 1968 from Mendenhall High School…the same year I graduated from Magee, Now, back in those days…there was almost a “no cross zone” between Magee and Mendenhall. We didn’t mess with the Tigers…and they didn’t mess with the Trojans…but even a “no zone” could not keep a friendship from growing.
Tom was looking for his cousin Betty Ella Everett who moved back to Magee in January of this year after being gone for about 43 years.
Tom learned where I lived and headed across the tracks.
I called Betty Ella and told her I had a prize for her…and “it” was coming by her house. Well, the girl went nuts! “No way can anyone come to my house…it is a total wreck…I have projects started…no one can come,” Betty Ella informed me. So, I just told Betty Ella to come on down the street to my house and the meeting could take place here at my home.
Tom was a traveling International Consultant for many years…and finally decided after 50 years to make his home in Mendenhall. Ya’ll know this Simpson County blood just gets in your veins!
Betty Ella left Magee in the 70’s and has been gone for about 43 years.
As Tom and I sat in the living room awaiting Betty Ella’s arrival, we talked of the “way things were years ago.”
When I heard Betty Ella coming I opened the door and said “look what I’ve got for you!” Her eyes got big…she looked at me like “who is this person”…and then a smile crossed her face and all she could say was “Thomas”…she kept saying “Thomas” over and over. The hugging started and I thought I would never get them apart for a picture.
I’ve got a happy heart today…because seeing a reunion of two people who loved one another and had no contact for years was breathtaking. Mercy, I almost started crying.
Tom lives in Mendenhall and Betty Ella in Magee…..I have a feeling those ten miles will become closer and closer.
Finding someone you love is quite a blessing.
Thanks for allowing me to share in this special time…they are still talking and laughing…who knows they may spend the day…not a problem because I’ll just keep working and they can keep visiting!
Truly, the way we were…friendship knows no age.
