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Show FOND MEMORIES OF DONNA TOLES School Days: | first met Donna approximately 32-33 yrs. ago in our high school English class; Mirs. Milagros class. Before long, Donna, myself, and our mutual friend Carol were like three peas in a pod; (that was when Donna’s brother Derrick wasn’t tagging along); always doing things together; so much so, that when we weren't eating the school lunch, we spent many days purchasing one (1) order of Chinese food consisting of: fried chicken gizzards and French fries, which we all ate together (with our fingers) because none of us had a lot of money back then. It was the bomb and those were the days. Three things that we loved most about going to high school together was: having compassionate teachers like Milagros, awesome guidance counsellors like Ms. Goldman, and being together; it was our home away from home and everyone was like extended family that cared about our success. Like many neighborhoods and most schools, there was a rough element present. Although Donna knew how to handle things on her own, folks knew not to mess with her or us. We always had each other’s back, and it was cool and made us girls feel safe just knowing that Donna’s brother Derrick when he wasn’t joking around with us, like most caring brothers, was always keeping a watchful eye out for us. Adult Hood: Through-out our adult years, our relationships grew stronger and remained in tack. Donna was my trusted friend. We were able to talk about any and everything. She always made me as well as everyone around her feel special. You couldn't help but want to be a better person, being around her. She always had a natural, unique and fun natured way of getting others to take time out of life’s busy routines long enough to stop and think about the bigger picture — God, family, and those less fortunate than ourselves... Donna couldn't help but positively impact (those around her); her sphere of influence; and she did so willingly, joyfully and sacrificially, all the time. Her life exuded the principles of Jesus Christ, | think long before she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and |
