I met Letha during the eighties of last century when I rented a room in her house in down town Houston. We soon became close friends despite the 40 years difference in age between us, but thanks to her unique sense of humor. I took her with me to Florida in a family visit and I drove her to San Antonio City and Galveston and other places. We did grocery together and also laundry. We cocked and eat together in her kitchen and planted vegetables in her back yard. Our friendship lasted more than 25 years until her heart finally gave up after about 8 years of fighting with cancer.
Remembering Letha
(1919-2010)
Once upon a time
I knew a lady named Letha Honey
In a way, she was like a mom
She was so nice, and so funny
Though her life was mostly cloudy
But here heart was always sunny
She was truly one of a kind Texan
Hard like an armadillo, but soft like a bunny
We did a lot of things together
We did grocery and we did laundry
And we went to a lot of places
Sharing food and sharing money
I drove her once to San Antonio
We flew once to Disney
***
Her son meant a lot to her
And her daughter was the music of her life
She was a great mom
And she was also a greater wife
But lately, her TV was her closest friend
And her plate, fork, spoon and knife
I don’t know whether it is sad or not
But after Letha, there will still be life.
***
Tarif Youssef-Agha
March 20/2010