As I write this post, a dearly loved, lifelong friend is transforming herself into an angel. I feel this is the final physical goal of a well-lived life. My friend, Lorraine Powers Jones was one of my mother’s best friends. This post is for her, and I hope she will hear it read to her by her only son, Gary. I hope there are still a few grains of sand left in the hourglass …
Lorraine has always been what I considered to be the ideal woman. Elegant, tasteful, intelligent, friendly, and seriously fierce. She is a dutiful, loving mother, and a successful businesswoman, getting to the top of the ladder on her own terms.
My memories of her include so many wonderful times. My sister and I would play with her children Joni and Gary, who are still dear friends. I remember playing games on her front porch from dawn until dusk. One afternoon I was playing on the porch and banged my head on the iron-railing — it was Lorraine who came out and went with me and my mother to go to the doctor.
Everyone in the neighborhood would go to the McClain’s house to ride go-carts, and watch the illegal fireworks. I remember the endless “Girls’ Nights”, when Lorraine and all the other women of the neighborhood would come over and play Bridge all night, filling our house with laughter.
Lorraine had another great friend who lived one house over to the East — Shirley Brooks. The two of them were born under the Astrological sign of Virgo; and they used to giggle about secrets no one else knew. They were inseparable, and they always came over together through the front door, looking for my mother and her book of Dreams. It was a morning ritual, Lorraine, Shirley and my mother in the kitchen eating coffee cake and drinking coffee, laughing and gossiping about the details of their lives.
I remember Lorraine as the tall, graceful lady of the neighborhood. I always thought she should have been a model. I suppose she really is a model in her own way, and always has been. Lorraine certainly proved she’s a model of grace under pressure. She was always there for my mother, until her dying day; taking my mother who was terminally ill with cancer, to the hospital for emergencies in the middle of the night — bringing my mother food and medicine, and most of all, her loving and helpful way. Lorraine is a true original Southern Belle, in all its most positive meanings.
Oh, Lorraine … as I write these words, you are still here with us. Remember how much you are loved and cherished. And how all of us are at your side right now, at least in spirit. You are the final original Matriarch of our hometown neighborhood of Norwood. We are honored to have been a part of your life, and we’ve been so lucky to know you.
To me, you will always be the Last Goddess of Norwood. The beautiful, graceful Virgo with the strength to carve out a life for yourself, without leaving anyone behind. I am grateful as well that I was able to speak with you on Christmas, and that my father got to tell you how much he loves you.
I suppose, all I can do now is wait to hear that you’ve gotten your wings, and that you are free from any and all pain. I wish your transformation was easier, but I know the result will be one beautiful angel, that’s for sure. Please remember how much you are, and will always be loved, and how your leaving us will leave a void that will never be filled.
And please don’t be afraid … my mother Claire and Shirley are waiting for you, looking forward to seeing their best friend again. How can there ever be anything but laughter in heaven when you three get together? I love you Lorraine, thanks for sharing your gift of life with all of us. We’re sure going to miss you!
I will light a candle for you, and say prayers for your peaceful passage to the heavenly realm. Please watch over us, as you always have. And be glad that all of the neighborhood children have found each other again. God bless you, Lorraine.
Love,
Voxx, and the Family xoxo
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