Ms. Antoinette was a lot things to a lot of people. For me she was my friend.   We talked like the 30 year difference did not exist; spending much of time nodding in agreement in the hot 'n' humid Nawlin's sun. I would stop by Mother in Laws after teaching my summer workshop class at the high school not too far away. I would tell her about my day, and she would convince me to have a cocktail.....then the talking really began.

We talked about how things were, how they are, and where they need to be, who was a mess, who made us smile and who needed a good talking too. We advised each other on important matters. Sometimes on her wigs other times on marketing strategies. All the time we had fun.

I was all to pleased with myself when I was able to present her with her portrait. I had one of my students work on it with me. He was kinda thuggish and I didn't think I made a impression. Just a week later I stopped by and Ms. A told me he came by and brought his mom. He was proud of himself. She was proud of him.  Ms. A. was proud of me, told me "you should keep in touch with that boy, you made an impression". I looked at her with my hand over my heart and told her " he scares the hell out of me and that won't be happening." We laughed.

I will miss Ms. Antoinette. Rest in Peace.