Escape of Notions

I met Joni when Chisholm School desegregated when I was in either 2nd or 3rd grade. She was much like me. We were best friends on the play ground. I had a little poem I used to sing to her everyday when I saw her. Over the years we would see each other in the store or something. I loved her to death! It never occurred to me that the poem I sang might have hurt her feelings because one sentence was kind of derogatory. Kids can say some cruel things. Anyway, I tried finding her to send her a Christmas card. I sent it to her last known address, but it came back undeliverable. I apologized in that letter if I had ever hurt her feelings. Well, she didn't get my apology before she died, and I'm truly sorry. She got married and I didn't know her knew name. Joni I'm sorry if I ever hurt your feelings. You were a great friend to me. I'll see you in Glory.

JONES, Mrs. Joni Merrell, 48,a resident of Wetumpka, AL,died Friday, May 15, 2009. Funeral Services will be held onFriday, May 22, 2009 at 2:00p.m. from Hillside MortuaryChapel Rev. Tyrone EavesOfficiating. Burial will follow inEastwood Cemetery Montgomery, AL. Family will receive Family and Friends onThursday, May 21 from 7:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at HillsideMortuary Chapel. HillsideMortuary Directing. She leaves to mourn: Her devoted husband, WayneJones; son, Perrin O'KeefeMerrell both of Wetupmka,AL; brother, Victor Merrell; twosisters, Verdell (Willie) Hightower and Linda Mays all ofAtlanta, GA and numerous ofnieces, nephews, cousins,and friends

Rhonda, one of my best friends growing up, lived right across the street from me. We lived in a tiny 7 street neighborhood with lots of kids our age. Unfortunately, these days, this neighborhood has gone to pot, literally. Anyway, we used to walk around the neighborhood with our donut radio on our wrist listening to WHHY 1440 FM, on your radio dial. She had a blue radio, and mine was yellow. Just another memory of times gone by...