Page 174 - From the Outhouse 4 -21

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Josie’s Master Plan

Ms. Josie, as I called her, informed me that the “3-Day Rule” would take effect

immediately. I had no idea what that meant. Well, let me share this “BUT GOD”
scenario. Kamili and I would be relocating as soon as possible to my home, which

fortunately was a block away – the original shotgun house. All visitors, including

relatives and friends, were all given three days to visit. For those three days, guests
were royally treated, which included three good meals a day, impeccable service,

hospitality, and superb fellowship! On the fourth day, however, your suitcases

needed to be at the front door packed and ready to go. And, I found out that this
applied to me, too!

My father hadn’t finished cleaning up our shotgun house, and my furniture was
still in storage in Miami. Nevertheless, Ms. Josie gave me a cot, a box of salt, and

a loaf of bread. These provisions were part of an old custom thought to bring a
good spirit and make it possible for the people who are moving to sustain

themselves. We were also given a can of bug spray for roaches. As we left, I

Queen Mother Josie Allen Merritt, wondered where I was going to sleep. Ms. Josie said, “You can sleep in the two
my Dad’s Second Wife chairs up there. I’m glad you are home, and I wish for you success.” This was truly
an extraordinary teachable moment for me.

My first night was very strange. My mother welcomed me home. She walked up the back steps (as she always did when returning from

work, shopping, church, and “outings.”) Now, my mother had been deceased at least nine years. Do you know that I felt her peaceful
spirit, and I was not afraid when she closed the door behind her?