“My grandmama raised me. We didn’t have much coming up, but we had a close family and loved each other. My grandmother had odds and ends jobs, but she made it work. We were raised on greens and beans. She couldn’t afford to take us to the doctor, so she had home remedies that worked. One time I got mumps and she put stinky sardines from a can on both sides of my jaws. It cured me. My grandmother passed away at 92. I miss her.

I have two daughters and I helped raise their boys. My house is always clean and in order. My grandkids know to clean up after themselves. My husband is worse than them. We have been married for 22 years. We are an interracial couple and have been through a lot, but God is good. We have been together since ’96. This is our second marriage. This was my first time to date a white guy. I wasn’t used to the staring and things people said. Church people were worst about it, then family and friends. We had to cut loose a lot of people over the years, so our circle is like a dot. But it has made us a stronger couple. I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world. I will be 55 this year. I have been through a lot. The hardest was when my dad passed. I thought I was going to go in the casket with him. When he and my grandmother were both called home, it did a number on me. 

I am a CNA and needed a stress-free part-time job with no drama or crazy people and prayed about it. The Lord brought Chic-Fil-A to my mind. I never thought they would call me, but I am a people person and love taking care of people here. Refill their cups, take their trays, or help with their kids. I am going to open my own home to care for older people. I have everything I need. I just need to find a home and hope to open by May of this year. Caring for older people is my passion and that started with caring for my grandmother until she died. 

We don’t know what people are going through. It doesn’t matter what color you are, where you come from, or what walk of life you come from, we all have flaws. Nobody is perfect. Let’s just work together.”