Ms. Lou believed in us, as young black women, and exposed us to experiences that we may not have been able to have. Her social club traveled extensively and made sure that the trips were affordable to Pat's friends. Ms. Lou was the one who introduced me and several of Pat's friends to Broadway shows. Imagine seeing The Wiz, For Colored Girls, Ain't Misbehavin', Eubie, Raisin, and so many more, live and in person. It was not just about the dazzling sets and costumes or even the rousing music or dance. It was about seeing first hand, people that looked like me exercising their gifts and talents on stage to the applause and adoration of both black and white people. This was back during the time where there were not nearly enough positive role models of black people on television. Traveling to New York City, staying in a hotel and going to a play and sitting wherever we had seats was an experience that was not available to most black people even ten to twenty years before. The experience was amazing.
Ms. Lou has given sound advice and a listening ear on more than one occasion.My own mother passed away 36 years ago, so it was Ms Lou that was there for all of the milestones my mother missed. She was there for my wedding, many illnesses and the births of both daughter and grandson.
Ms. Lou had Alzheimer's and had been ill for many years, but at her home-going everyone remembered about the lively, feisty, compassionate woman from long ago. During the service, the minister spoke on the part of John 10:10 which reads in part, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Ms. Lou lived an abundant life and she made sure that many of us did too. Rest in peace Ms. Lou. We loved you and will never forget you.