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| Emmitt Richardson, Sr. and Walter Richardson, Sr. Photo Courtesy: Glynis Vernon Gordon |
My mother and her maternal cousin Walter Richardson, Sr., had an extraordinary bond that developed after her father, Jasper passed away in 1962. "Walter told me that he couldn't take the place of my daddy, but I will be here for you," said Isabel. My mother would get so excited when she got the news that cousin Walter was coming to Louisiana to visit his parents, siblings, and extended family. My mother was on that list of people to visit in Amite, Louisiana. To this very day, she still talks about Cousin Walter and his children. She often reminisce on Sunday's after church Walter, Jr, and her cousin Freddy jumped in the car and headed home with us. Aunt Melissa would call the house and asked my mother If they were with her. "My mom just knew they had asked her!" It didn't matter because it was alright with my mother and Aunt Melissa. My mother always had Sunday's dinner ready on a Saturday night. We took our Sunday clothing off and had dinner before running outside to play.
We were just as excited as my mother to hear that cousin Walter was coming to Louisiana. He had such a big heart for everyone. He was just a handsome and kind person. I remember one time when he came to visit, his brother Earl Lee brought a busload of cousin to my mother's house. We had fireworks and all the candy and cookies we wanted. My mother had cooked their favorite meals. One thing I remember her cooking was her delicious tuna casserole and baking her homemade yeast rolls. I guess that was one of Cousin Walter's favorite meals. They sat around the table, laughing and reminiscing on their childhood days. I only wish that the genealogy bug at bit me then.
Fireworks, snacks, and cousins was a great combination for all the kids. Cousin Earl Lee and Walter had so much fun watching all of us play together. It wasn't a holiday or a special occasion, and it was just family coming together to spend time with each other. While writing this blog, it's taking me back to those beautiful evenings spent on my grandparents' place. I want to record those sweet moments before they slip away from me. Family was very important back in those days. Not just your immediate family but all family. Cousin Walter and Earl Lee was those kind of people. They loved all their families and treated everyone with love.
Cousin Earl Lee laugh and smile would light up any room. When he parked the bus and let everyone off the bus, he would smile, watching the kids run off the bus and started playing and screaming with laughter.
