Friday, December 6, 2024
Phyllis & I met at a Tuesday Morning store in 2008, (which became our store & meeting place)
I resently relocated to Raleigh, NC. I was out getting familiar with my new surroundings. Never hearing of this store, I stopped to check it out. A lady with beautiful, well groom silver hair, caught my attention. As I admired her beautiful silver hair, I had to compliment her on it, excess me, your hair is beautiful, I said to her, we talked for a moment about her hair. I hope my gray hair come in that pretty, I said as I began to walk away, she said, it will, we both smiled as we continue to move about the store. Phyllis over heard me asking the cashier for directions to JoAnn Fabric store. True to Phyllis's helpfulness nature, she came to me saying with the warmest smile. I know where it is, I'll be glad to show you if you'll follow me there, she said. Again warm smiles came over us, I said, that's so nice of you, thank you. As we walked to our vehicles, I explained I was new in town, she welcome me to Raleigh. So I followed her into the unknown, she took me right there. After we arrived at the store, I thank her, it dawn on us, we hadn't asked our names. Then we said in unison, what's your name. After we stop laughing we introduce ourselves, standing there in the parking lot talking & laughing for a long time. Phyllis said again, I'll be happy to help you find your way around town but I can't tell you how to get there, we laughed until it hurt & joyful water came to our eyes. I felt it was fate then that we were to meet. We exchange numbers; a great rapport & connection was there from the beginning. Little did I know then she would be my first friend in Raleigh, soon to become my Sista Friend.
We met for lunch later that week learning we only lived blocks apart. As she began to show me around town we learn we had many things in common. One of which, we both enjoy viewing newly construction homes; we spent hours going from one to another, it became a favorite thing of ours. Phyllis had a knack for decorating with a great sense of style. I was hoping she would teach me a thing or eight (smile). We fast became friends sharing time together & stories of our lives, she was so easy to talk to, good listener, never judging. Learning she didn’t have any sisters, we choose to become Sistas, which span 15yrs. I believe God placed Phyllis in my life when I need a friend & a Sista. Meeting Phyllis, then her daughter Erika, it felt like I had known them both all my life. They were truly a blessing to me. Later meeting her sons, Jason & Wendell, with the spirit of their mother, I felt welcomed by them too.
I would like to thank you, Hudson/Hinton family with all my heart for sharing Phyllis with me. Phyllis's spirit will live on through us all.
Your Sista Friend Vivian Carnail
