Mrs. Pascal

Dear Mrs. Pascal,

It's fascinating how perceptions of what is deemed acceptable evolve from one generation to the next. Many things that were once considered taboo are now commonplace.

Reflecting on my younger years, I fondly remember playing kick the can in the alley, gathering with family to watch weekly TV shows, and the thick glass soda bottles that were so iconic in our lives.

Two of the most significant changes over time have been in the rights and treatment of Black individuals and women. Allow me to share my first experience with a Black person.

When we were very young, both my mother and father worked long hours, which meant we needed someone to care for us during the day. That’s when Mrs. Pascal entered our lives. She was an elderly Black woman who lovingly took care of my siblings and me.

Mrs. Pascal was the kindest and most cheerful person I knew. She kept our home running smoothly and had a special bond with me as the youngest in the family. I adored her with the innocent affection of a child. To us, she wasn’t just our Black housekeeper; she was our friend.

From today’s perspective, this relationship might be viewed similarly to that of the Black women who cared for white families during the era of slavery. 

But that’s not how we experienced it.

So, Mrs. Pascal, I want to sincerely thank you for caring for me. At that young age, I didn’t fully grasp the challenges you faced simply because of your skin color. However, I do know that you treated me as if I were your own. For that, I will always be grateful.

Warm regards,  

Richard