162. Christa Jones (Al's daughter)
Promise, hope and all the good things little girls own were Christa. Fun, bubbly, happy and loving. At 16, she was so caring she refused to allow her scared friend to commit suicide alone. A family of four broken to three.
161. Adam Jones (Al's son)
The most unruly-destructive kid I ever babysat. Only charge I considered drugging to insure a decent bedtime. Feared for his future. Expected mass-destruction, found a mild, caring, successful man. The one who held the family together in the midst of tragedy.
160. Kathy Jones (Al's wife)
Intrigued by the English-Accent. Wondered what life was like growing up in another country. She appeared cautiously distant. In her eyes everything had a visible price-tag placed prominently for public view. Nothing cost as much as the death of her youngest.
159. Al Jones
When I met Mr. Jones I had never seen a taller man. I was 10yrs, he seemed 10ft. My stepfather’s colleague, our family friend. In my adult years I realized Al’s 6’4” frame contained a 10’ tall strong but gentle spirit.
158. Mildred (a.k.a. Patsy a.k.a. Ma)
The most un-intrusive mother-n-law to walk the planet. Wisdom comes quietly. Love sings the same notes as sounds of laughter. Never giving up on me when I gave up on him. A mother’s love isn’t only spent on her own children.
157. Julee
A seemingly-successful woman, single-mom and my boss. Using another’s opinions and credit you didn’t earn, you were able to climb the corporate ladder. You never felt safe. A woman with such low self-esteem that even I was viewed as a threat. (Professionally and Personally)
156. Johnnie D.
You said you have times feeling sorry for yourself. Then you are reminded others have it worse. Causing you to be happy with what you do have. Just a sweet young man. Too young for me. But not for my daughter!
155. George B.
Photographer viewing the world through an unprejudiced lens. Your personal snapshots known in “Small-Town-USA”. Aware everyone knows. Yet, too sweet a man to mention such pain. Too sweet a man to have to bear it. Would you like a Guinness now?
154. Lil Rog #1
“Mary Hill used to hang out in Cherry Hill Park” penetrates my mind whenever I think of you. Like a broken record. Over and Over and Over. Not the family favorite. But the one who proved to be the most genuine.
153. L.T. (conversation with the bartender)
L.T.: “Can I ask something?”
Me: “Course”
L.T.: “Words of wisdom you give someone you know little about.”
Me: “Happiness is a choice.”
L.T.: “That’s very Buddhist.”
Me: “No, just honest”
Sold the house, auction coming up, she’s moving away. She misses him too much to stay.
152. Jessica G.
Lying, cheating, stealing, denying it all. Low self-esteem can lead to a life of crime and sentence one to eternity seeking approval that’s always just out of reach. Tough-girl facades can mask scared-girl cries. Not a criminal but still a prisoner.
151. Jamesie
We met on the job. Didn’t take long to become allies. Thought he had a crush on me but it was really Janet he liked. Now we visit each other only via the Internet. That doesn’t make me like him less.
