A Human Interest Story
Mrs. Josephine Wilson White, a resident of Paradise, was expecting a baby in 1950. She needed to purchase something to use during her hospital stay but didn’t have money to do so. She was a woman of great pride and did not want to borrow money from anyone.
When her delivery time was near, she had no resort but to ask her friend Mrs. Mary (Noon) Sanders for $30. Mary was very glad to assist her in her time of need. Josephine had myriad problems after the birth of her son and never seemed to “get on top of things.” She never forgot the debt, but something always seemed to prevent her from settling it.
Mary went her separate way and did not see Josephine for years.
In 2007, after 57 years, Mary received a card and letter from Josephine. The card contained a check for $50. Mary did not cash the check for four reasons: she did not remember the loan; she and her husband always helped people without expecting to be repaid; she and Josephine were friends; and she was proud of such an honorable act on Josephine’s behalf.
The two women met at the George Fish School banquet on Saturday, August 11, 2007. It was a happy reunion for two old friends.
The card:
To a Wonderful Friend
Our friendship is one of a kind and
I wouldn’t trade it for
Anything else in the world.
Just letting you know
How special you are to me.
With love,
Josephine
The letter:
Hi Noon,
This is Josephine. You may not remember this, but I have never forgotten. In 1950, I needed something for a hospital stay. I was having my second child, and you loaned me $30. I never seemed to get to pay you back, so I’m sending you $50. It’s too bad I can’t pay you interest, but thanks a lot. I never forgot how nice you were about it. Now I feel better, even if it’s 57 years late (smile). I hope you forgive me. You were such a great friend.
With love,
Josephine
Mary's daughter, Ethel Faye Blount, thought this was a story worth telling. Before paradiseweb.org came into existence, she sent the story to Oprah and Steve Harvey for possible exposure but to no avail. She felt that someone should know about such a wonderful display of gratitude. Most people would not pay a debt that is 57 years old. She thanks Ken Sr. and Kenny Jr. for making it possible for the story to be told. After all, it is a Paradise story made possible by paradiseweb.org.
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