Childhood Friend; Remember When
Some of the visionary citizens of my hometown of Yazoo City, Mississippi formed an arts council to introduce the children and families to the performing arts. Several times each year, troupes would arrive to present performances and skits designed to educate the audience regarding historical facts and significant events. Some of the performances seemed to be strictly for entertainment purposes. When I was a fourth grade student in 1977, Ms. Ella Jenkins arrived to teach a variety of songs as she was accompanied by a wooden mannequin that appeared to tap dance on a wooden platform. We were all mesmerized by the uniqueness of the performance and we were awed by her ability engage the young audience of students. As she was preparing to leave the school, my father, WR McCoy (who was one of the few local photographers) made a picture of Ella Jenkins and me standing next to the automobile of her host and driver.
Over 20 years later, while my wife, Robbye, and I were having dinner in a Thai restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, I saw a woman who reminded me of my childhood friend. I suspected that she could have been Ella Jenkins. Robbye begged me not to approach her because she was afraid that we’d all be embarrassed by my mistake regarding her identity—-But, I approached her anyway. I reluctantly attempted to explain her resemblance to a woman I’d met over 20 years ago in Yazoo City. Enthusiastically, she exclaimed that she had indeed been in Yazoo City and she explained how well she remembered my hometown. Ms. Jenkins said that one of the gifts she’d received during her visit was a kazoo. As a result, she incorporated the instrument into her performance and she would say ‘this is my kazoo that I got from Yazoo!’
I was so thrilled to see my old friend again. Even though we’d only met once, I remembered her performance and I remembered how gracious and patient she was to pose for a photograph afterward. Ms. Jenkins died this week at the age of 100. Lengthy tributes were aired describing her impact upon children around the world. Reporters celebrated her 70 year career as a performer and the more than 29 albums that she recorded.
Our chance meeting in Lincoln Park 20 years after her performance continually reminds me of the lasting impact that our lives can have upon others. There is a beauty and innocence that is treasured by children and families. These precious moments allow us to easily recall special times that happen across the country and across the ages. While her death this week reveals that I’ll never have another chance encounter with my old friend, but I’ll always remember when.
As we prepare for consecration Sunday, let us consider the lasting impact of our lives upon others. The foundations that we help to lay through the ministries of this church bear fruit many, many years after we may have encountered one another. Even our interactions with children that may seem so inconsequential, can reverberate in ways we can’t even imagine. The children and families that we welcome will be the leaders and ambassadors who carry the love and peace of Christ throughout the community and sometimes around the world. As we welcome those who may be strangers, may we also discover those who will become unforgettable friends.
We’ll see you in worship; we’ll see you in class; and we’ll share with you in ministry in all the places Christ will lead us.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
