From Sin to Glory

I decided at an early age that I wanted to be rich, multi-talented, intelligent, and married to a man that people looked up to. I started setting standards for myself to live by around 12 years of age. I'd observed a lot of different kinds of people. I heard a preacher say one day that you become the product of the books you read, the tapes you listen to and the people you associate with. I began surrounding myself with positive, well-to-do or rich people, both black and white. I seem to fit in well. Everything had to be worthwhile to me. My grades in school, my mannerisms, the way I spoke, my smile, the upkeep of my body, which was a little on the chubby side, and the way I presented myself. I found out that when you give respect, you get respect. Now Nece Smith was my very best friend. She was 6 years younger than I, but she was quite mature. I met her at the spa where I worked out after I had my son, Joe, Jr. She is 5'6"; light brown complexion; long, thick, black, course hair; weighted about 125 pounds; fine as all get out; intelligent; and just absolutely gorgeous. She could sing really well and play the piano. She'd sing gospel songs so well that she could almost convert even the worst sinner. She has never been married and do not wish to. She thinks that a husband would somehow invalidate her. She's very independent and quite spoiled. She was the only child and never quite learned to settle for anything but the best. I really liked her though. We would talk a lot and eventually we bonded. She would always say that I was the big sister that she never had.