*About this time, I was completing my second semester at the University of New Orleans as an instructor of composition and literature. I made extra money that summer by also teaching in the summer program.

During this period, Lucinda, my biological mother, was living in West Baltimore. She had her sixth child, Aisha. The child was the spitting image of her father, Grover Reed., Lucinda’s second husband. Aisha was born around 1980 when Lucinda was in her late 40s. She was surprised she was still able to have children. I have never been very close to Aisha, or, for that matter, my brother Ronald. There is probably a great generation gap, which may never be bridged. I am, however, very fond of both of them. But we have never gotten to know each other.

**Annie divorced and remarried. Her third husband, Nathaniel Givens, was an old flame from her early twenties. Amos "Rat" moved out near Emporia in Greensville County. I believed during this time he was working at a golf course. I saw him a couple of summers ago and was happy to see him. He had not changed very much. I find it amazing, however, how a city boy has adapted so well to country life.

There have been numerous fellows who were born and raised in the country and spent most of their adult lives in the cities and in their retirement ages have returned to their former country homes. Most of them were career men who followed the rules, bought urban homes, received their pensions, sold those homes, returned to the countryside and built brick homes. They are well pleased with themselves.