I was thinking about my old childhood friend, “ Wayne”, as I called her, We lived on the same street in Byrnes Downs. I was her bridesmaid when she quit school to marry. We lost touch over the years but we were the closest friends for a long time when we were growing up.  We took piano lessons from the same teacher. She was a year ahead of me in school. I hope she got her high school diploma at some point!  She was very smart. I spent many nights at her house sleeping in that attic room.  Mr. Queen called me his nickname for me, Marona, rather than my actual name, Ramona.  I always did the “shave and a haircut” knock on their house door and Mrs Queen would just tell me to come on in. I was there all the time for some years. They got TV first so I was there with the family watching the test pattern on the screen waiting on the TV programs to start.  Mrs. Queen was like a second mother.  She helped me when I was learning to sew on the machine and making a blouse for our first day in high school. I was at the Queen house hold more than my own probably. The family of three at that time (Bill hadn’t been born some of that period of time) often went to the drive in theatre and I was taken along with them.

I’m sorry Wayne and I lost touch. I would never have recognized her if we passed  on the street.  I’m remembering her so fondly and all the times we spent in those young years.  We were the best of friends and I am so sad to hear of her passing.  My heart is heavy. My sincere condolences  to the family.

   Ramona Vazquez Small