Class of '78

The Class of '78 said farewell to one of its most beloved classmates today.

Dee, age 62(ish), died of a heart attack in the shower about a week ago.. 

The funeral took place in the gymnasium of a local elementary school because a church wasn't big enough.  And it was nearly full.  Black folks, white folks, brown folks . . . .  Everybody loved Dee. 

The Class of '78 turned out en masse to pay tribute to their friend.  Many of them dressed in black and orange, their school colors.  The Husband had a hard time finding an orange tie this time of year.

The Class of '78 started kindergarten together.  Little innocent children don't know nothin' about black and white.  They just love each other.  This group grew up together.  They fought, they played, they made up.  They went to middle school and high school together.  To this day, they keep in touch.

Dee beat up B.W. in elementary school because he needed it.  That same day, B.W. got a paddling from the teacher for fighting with Dee.  Two whippings in one day.  

He flew in from another state to speak at her memorial service.  

He said he lost the fight.

We came home after the funeral, changed clothes, went to a birthday party full of little girls.  

Little girls scream for no apparent reason.  

About 6 p.m, B.W. sent a group text:  "I'm at [the local mexican restaurant].  Where are y'all?"

The Husband's phone went to dinging.  "On my way."  "Be there in 10 minutes."  

The group gathered again.

We drank a lot of margaritas.  Shared some stories.  Swore to get together more often.

Dee would've been there, had she lived.  And she would have run the table.