My Sister Called to Say Mom Had Died—While Mom Was Standing Right Beside Me

with cars—old, new, rented. Women in dark dresses and broad hats stepped out clutching Bibles and tissue. This church had been a pillar in our community for generations. Mama had led the choir here for twenty years.

Today, according to Dominique, we were burying her.

At the top of the stone steps, greeting everyone with rehearsed sighs and little embraces,continue reading …