For the sake of helping to preserve this article, I'm posting it in its entirety:

Faded Memories
Ariana Gause | Jefferson County High School
Thursday, March 2, 2006


"Wrinkles now line a face that was once as smooth as peanut butter. Gray hair has replaced a crop of hair that shone black as a stallion. Brittle bones have taken space where strong limbs once lived. Her eye-sight has gotten dimmer and her hearing is nearing extinction. Memories that were once filled with gaiety and excitement of family traditions are fading into an evening sunset; never to return anymore.

This very vivid image is a portrait of my ninety-one year old grandmother whom I admire and respect dearly. From the very onset of my existence, she was an intricate part of my life. Barely out of the womb of my mother, she swooped me into a welcoming world of many promises. Her mother-wit and values of everyday life and living has nurtured me into the young adult I am becoming.

Faded Memories

Her spiritual and religious beckoning has taught me how to appreciate the black church and its traditions. I can relate well to the old hymns sung during revival meetings and on Sunday mornings. Yes, I have a connection to the "Hoop" that black ministers use when preaching the spoken word. The "Big Sunday go da Meetings" where my grandmother's food was the center of attention was days I could appreciate. She would cook that good old soul food and everyone in the church would "ooh" and "ah" about Ms. Janie's "box." You know, back then, the old folks would bring their sweet potato pies, collard greens, corn bread, coconut pies, fried chicken, and all that other good stuff to church in a greasy cardboard box. It may have been greasy, but boy was it tasty.

About three years ago, things began to change, and I began to slowly lose that old lady they call, "Ms. Janie." Now, I don't mean physically because she is still alive, but sadly to say, in another world that only she knows. You see, she has been robbed by that memory monster called Alzheimer.

Faded Memories

She was placed in a convalescent home just one day before Thanksgiving in 2005. This nearly destroyed my life. My daily routine of visiting her at home, and after school was stopped. No longer was I able to sit and chat about the old days and old times. I sadly miss going in and out of Big Mamma's kitchen looking for snacks or for something good to eat she has prepared. Also, the trip to church on Sunday mornings used to be enjoyable and funny. I can see her now strutting up her walkway in her white suit and white hat to match.

Faded Memories

All of the above memories are so precious that I wish I could capture them and lock them in a safe-deposit box. I will forever cherish the moments and tuck them in the bosom of my heart. I must face reality and realize that the memories that once were are now gone and are fading into an evening sunset that will never rise again.

Faded Memories

I love you Ms. Janie and will never forget the wonderful and glorious times we spent together. Your beautiful memories will never be forgotten because they will forever dwell in my heart. I salute you as my African-American hero because you have taught me how to live in a mean world. You are the fabric that is woven into a quilt of values. Every patch has significance meanings. Your insight and strong wisdom has provided inspiration, guidance, and determination for me to follow.

From the Tuesday, February 28, 2006 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:MDY2ba7rKgoJ:chronicle.augusta.com/blackhistory/06/essays/highschool_1st.shtml+memories+of+b

-snip-

Does anyone know what is meant by "The Hoop" as it is referred to in this sentence:

"Yes, I have a connection to the "Hoop" that black ministers use when preaching the spoken word."