At 19, I worked as a bellhop in Hotel Bethlehem while attending school in my hometown. I set up tables, opened doors, and delivered room service. One morning, I knocked on a door to deliver coffee and was greeted by a sleepy woman in a white slip. I immediately recognized Toni Morrison because the night before I’d gone to her lecture at Lehigh University. I’d read her recently published book, Song of Solomon. Well, overflowing with starstruck awe, I told how much I admired her writing and how her words the night before inspired me. She smiled as best she could without her first cup of coffee. I cherish the memory of that morning when I realized writers were just mortals with messy hair. It gave me hope. One day I could become one too.
Thank you, Toni Morrison.
February 18, 1931 - August 5, 2019
Thank you, Toni Morrison.
February 18, 1931 - August 5, 2019
