Once again I have no picture to go along with one of the most wonderful, caring ladies the world has ever known. Mrs. Marie Smith was the mother of one of the guys in the neighborhood, Bill. Although we didn't really hang around with Bill that much, cause he was a few years younger than we were, she allowed the entire neighborhood, (read us guys and gals), to completely take over her basement as a place to hangout. We painted the walls pink, painted some teenage dancers and musical notes on the wall, set up a couple couches and chairs, put in a record player, and we all practically lived there when not out on the street. I think she thought that would keep Bill out of trouble if he was home with us but like I said, we really didn't hang around with Bill that much. She also turned her upstairs basically over to us also as we seemed to always be hanging around there too, usually playing poker or something. She would often be there to sit and talk to us late in the evenings when we needed someone to talk to. She was such a wonderful person. Later in life when I got myself into some serious trouble, SHE was the one who came to me with the most help and even allowed me to live there in their den area for about a week or so.

Every kid in the neighborhood knew Mrs. Smith. All were invited to her house. Their side door, which also led to the basement, was never locked. To this day, I don't know how she did it. But I believe it is the reason I have also tried to help so many kids in my lifetime too. All the while this was going on, she was raising five kids and taking care of her husband, Big Bear, as we used to call him.

She was such a caring person. I wonder how many kids today owe something to her for helping them during their growing years. Most adults wanted nothing to do with teenagers. That house always had at least ten to fifteen kids in it. Don't know how she managed it but she did. Sadly, the world lost this nice lady a few years ago. I was back in Cleveland last year and visited with one of her daughters and saw the old home. Sure brought back memories. I guess I should have gone inside and taken one last look at the basement but I didn't. You don't even want to ask what went on in that basement on those couches. I will say though that to my knowledge there was no serious sexual activity ever going on down there. Maybe some kissing and hugging and touching, but that was it. Oh yeah, and she caught us doing that a time or two. This meant a restricted period for offenders from coming into the house. She caught me once playing "trust me?" with Fran and the buttons on her blouse. I didn't get restricted though but she was definitely pissed. She favored me and Jack. I think of her often and am so thankful she was there when I needed someone. Rest peacefully Mrs. Smith. You certainly deserve it and thanks so much.