This picture was made in front of the Baptist Hospital, which was a couple of blocks from where I worked. Pictured are three who were in the group that spent a lot of time together. The redhead sitting next to me was one of my neighbors. We were good friends, but that was all that we were. I think maybe she felt differently, but that would all change a little later on. My work allowed me to make a lot of friends. The drug store was a popular place because of the soda fountain and because it was real close to school, as well as the hospital. Our pastime was just being together since there was not a lot of activities available in those days, especially with the war going on. If we went anywhere, it would require walking or catching a street car. Thinking about street cars, one of our pranks would be pulling the ropeon the back of the car that connected the car to the power line. The conductor would have to get out and put it back on. We would stand back and listen to a few choice words from the conductor. I know this was not the right thing to do, but something would have to be done occasionally just to have something to do. On a lot of nights, after the drug store closed, we would sit outside in front and just spend time talking. Most of the time it was probably about girls. When I would get home, my mom would be in bed but not asleep. When she would ask me what time it was, I always replied, "It's plenty past eleven." Plenty sounded like twenty to her. We did not think of ourselves as being mean, just mischevious as a part of growing up. One of the most important things I learned in my childhood was loyalty. I never wanted to be late for work, nor did I ever speak negatively about Mr. or Mrs. Wade, whom I worked for. They helped me in more ways than one. As I look back on my experiences during these years, I often wonder what would have taken place had I not been fortunate enought to have found this job when it was badly needed. Today, I know God works in mysterious ways and possibly led me in the right direction. More to come later.