by ChrisJerri S.
Member since:
August 21, 2007

Courtesy (A Sally Short)

June 15, 2008 12:09 AM EDT (Updated: June 15, 2008 08:28 PM EDT)
views: 81 | rating: 10/10 (19 votes) | comments: 16


Sally had helped Mr. John's family on numerous occasions. She had adored his first wife, God rest her soul.  His new wife had proven to be quite lazy.  So, when he pleaded for Sally's services as housekeeper, she graciously showed him that courtesy.
  
The new woman was coarse and rude from the beginning.   Sally, after overhearing the Mrs. boast to company, "I don't have to work now because I got a nigger to do the work," left with her head held high.  Mrs. John was not given that same courtesy when she was subsequently shown the door by Mr. John. 
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Comments: 16

ChrisJerri S. Jun 15, 2008, 12:14am EDT
I had to use the "n" word to keep the story accurate. This is about the lady who had been born into slavery that I've been researching, and that I also met when I was 8. She died in 1969, aged 110. I've written some stuff about her on Gather previously. I'm slowly getting some handed down accounts of her life, and some first hand accounts. This particular event happened somewhere around 1910. I found the census where Sally was in this particular home at this time. Mr. John (last name omitted) took a third wife later.
David D. Jun 15, 2008, 2:02am EDT
I'd like to respond with 100 words:

This is a story with many levels. The tale is well told and the meaning, hopefully will never be lost. I don't mean because the word nigger was used, as I believe that really isn't the true meaning to be gleaned from this life essay.

One needs to step back and really see what happened here. A honorable person was demeaned yet remained honorable and a crude person received her reward and took it the only way she knew how -- without honor.

For truely: Character is stronger than a word can affirm or deny.
Alison H. Jun 15, 2008, 9:37pm EDT
One can still be dignified in the face of bigotry. Great story!
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Jun 18, 2008, 8:06pm EDT
Good stuff and interesting read.

*You look beautiful.
Kimber L. Jun 19, 2008, 8:57am EDT
Very interesting read. I love reading about people from the past. True accounts are so much more interesting because of the truth in them!! I enjoyed this!
Diana Raabe Jun 20, 2008, 8:43am EDT
Good riddance.
Sarah (I want points) Jun 20, 2008, 11:11am EDT
Wow... very powerful story... great writing.
John Philipp Jun 20, 2008, 2:13pm EDT
Intriguing stories, Jerri. I particularly like this one.

Thanks.
donna h. Jun 20, 2008, 2:54pm EDT
good story
Phyllis R. Jun 21, 2008, 3:42pm EDT
Nice, very nice!!!! This is a great story, - I love reading stories from the past too!!!
Austin Cushing Jun 23, 2008, 4:40pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!
William Dotani Jul 12, 2008, 8:50pm EDT
I enjoyed this short story of justice served. I too wish people would stop using the 'n' word. When I tell people I'm sane, they always use the n word in front of sane to describe me.
Elaine B. Jul 13, 2008, 3:31pm EDT
Interesting short story, and well written.
William C. Jul 14, 2008, 7:38pm EDT
I agree I think it is an appropriate use for the story
Anne W. Jul 14, 2008, 9:42pm EDT
Well written!
Kylee **Queen of Karaoke** S. Jul 15, 2008, 8:13pm EDT
She sounds like an amazing woman.

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