by ann cofield

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 13, 2008

It was 40 years ago. We had a maid named Vera. She was a black lady, and very matter of fact. Now before you think, you racist woman, Vera is the one that taught me that blacks and whites were no different. Yes, the culture was different but we both bled red. I use to lay next to her and she would hold my hand and say, "baby we are no different, my skin is just darker". I really loved that woman. I would look at her hand and mine.

She was a funny woman. I was ten. My little brat brothers were hard to take care of. My mother had to work all the time to take care of the five she had. So Vera was there.
I remember one day she made us tuna fish sandwhiches. We didn't like tuna much, but we ate it. She put too much Miracle Whip in it, so it was kinda mushy. Then after we ate it, we asked could we have some ice cream. She said "Oh no, you can never eat fish products with milk products". We just looked at her like she was crazy, but we went on about our business. Then we would come into the kitchen, and she was eating ice cream. Well, she had to give us some then. Funny thinking back on it.
I know she had kids at home that also needed their momma, but she took care of us. I suspect the paycheck was why. Back then it was no big deal to have a black maid. My granddaughter heard this story. She asked "Grandma did you own slaves"?,and I thought. I told her noone owned slaves anymore then. My momma paid her and she could come and go. There really is a point to this story. I want to share a part of my life and what I learned as a child.
I did learn that blacks and whites did and could get along. I am not taking away from them, the plight they had. I know there was prejudice then. I am just saying to this day my good friend is black and I never really think about it. He told me once, he didn't know too many white people like me.I saw no "color". I hope soon, and I believe it will happen, that everyone is going to see. I am from the south and I like certain foods. Some different races like certain foods. You see our cultures are different, but we are not. People are people. We all have hopes and dreams and schemes and children we love. Vera was a cleaning fool. I guess that's where I got it from. It wasn't that my mother couldn't clean she was just tired from working two jobs all the time. One day Vera was mopping the floors. I sat and watched. I was a shy child so playing outside wasn't something I did much. She would say,"Child go out and play with the kids". I just didn't

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>