Mother #1 Has Passed On

I just found out that my mother #1 has passed away. Ms. Willie Mae Walls was Sassy #1. She lived in apartment 104 and the door to that apartment was always open. I came to Willie Mae's EVERY DAY for 3 years, and she always greeted me with open arms and a flashy smile.
Willie Mae made single motherhood shine. She gave us all duties and paid us in quarters. I rubbed her aching feet after a shift behind the bar while I helped her get pass her nursing exams. I was only 12 and she always believed me when I told her I would grow up to be rich and famous and that I would buy her a house Down South.
Willie Mae would take her daughter India shopping, and I'd always tag along. She always bought me something. The first time I ate collard greens and smoked neck bones was with India and Willie Mae. She always called me her other daughter. But Willie Mae was like that--always taking care of other people's children.
I have a hurt inside that I haven't felt in years. I always thought I'd be able to show Willie Mae my son Kai, not to mention buy her that house.
Willie Mae Walls. What a woman. I was so honored to have met you and to be one of your children.
RIP

lab

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