You aren't going to get to read this, because you have moved on to Heaven. You went on and I didn't get to say goodbye. I've got some things to tell you...
I remember you as a teenager. You LOVED to lay in sun... You with your baby oil, iodine, and aluminum foil. I never did understand that, but you sure loved it. My Mama did too.
You told me one day, "I'll never be so blame strict on on my kids! I'm going to let them do whatever they want!" If your kids are reading this, they are probably laughing.
I remember when you got married. You were crazy about that Chuck Woods. I heard Bernice say, "They'll never make it, they's just kids" You didn't care about that - You married him anyway.
You used to say things like, "Now Teresa, let me tell you..." I'd just shake my head because I wasn't exactly "coachable" in my younger days.
I remember how you loved your coffee... I love it now too.
I was there when your Mama got sick, and even when she passed away. I guess after that is when we lost touch a bit. Mamaw Trula and Marylou were the glue that held life together. It hasn't been the same without them.
I remember how it was when your Mama was sick. Everyone was always around, feeling sorry for her. I remember that last cookout at her place. It was a lot to process. I guess that's why you didn't tell us when you got sick. You didn't want nobody feeling sorry for you. That took a lot of strength. You were right, we would've made a big fuss. I'm certain it was more important to you to have that precious time with your kids and Chuck.
Bernice sure called it wrong about you and Chuck, you did make it. You made it all the way 'til death do you part. You were right about Chuck but you were wrong about one thing. You were "that blame strict" on your kids. It surely worked, they all four grew into fine adults. I'm impressed with the great job you did with them. I know you and Chuck are so proud. I still can't get over how much your Tyler looks like Quint. I still miss Quint. You tell him I said, "Hello".
Remember Preacher Earl Johnson? I'm sure you do. You're probably drinking coffee with him, Mamaw, Marylou, and Quint right now. Papaw is probably sitting there quietly while y'all catch up. I'm sure they were standing beside Jesus when you got there. I bet Jesus had some angels fry up some taters and make a big pan of biscuits. I can only imagine what a time you are having. Say, "Hi" to all of them for me too. You tell them I said, when Jesus comes for me - they better be waiting on me!
Anyway, about Preacher Earl... He used to say, "Give folks flowers while they are alive, they won't know it when they are gone." That's why I sent them flowers a couple weeks ago. I didn't want you to die, but it was almost like I could see his face and hear him saying, "Send Retha flowers while she is alive." That ain't nothing compared to all the years we lost, but I can't change that now.
I did visit at Christmas. If I remember correctly, I promised to come for Sunday dinner one day. I don't know how long I'll be but I intend to keep that promise. When I get there, we will have us a Sunday dinner. It'll be great, even better than when we were kids.
This is not goodbye. I'm saying, "Later gator" and I know you are saying, "after while crocodile"
Love you -
In Loving Memory
Retha Woods who moved to Heaven 05/11/20
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