“Sister, Sister”

I threw a Christmas luncheon for The Golden Girls. Longtime listeners know them as Mama and her sisters, Marleta and Judy.  The only thing that would’ve made the Sister/Sister party any better would’ve been had my own siblings been able to come in to share the day with that venerated generation above us.

To know the Golden Girls is to love them. Ask my BBF. Red’s not kin to the sisters but she appreciates their sassy southern ways as much as we do. In a roundabout way, this set her up just right for one of my twisted little jokes.

Red and I were visiting when she commented on how much help The Golden Girls have been during Mama’s recovery from back surgery.

“Absolutely,” I said. “I don’t know what any of us would’ve done without her sisters.”

Rhonda frowned, “That reminds me, I know Marleta and Judy have been taking turns helping, but I haven’t heard you say anything about Elaine.”

I realized immediately that Red had completely forgotten that the oldest Golden Girl passed away! Of course, I also recognized an opportunity to have some fun at my friend’s expense.

“Elaine hasn’t been here once,” I said.

“You’re kidding!” Red was incredulous.  “She hasn’t helped at all?”

“Not at all,” I repeated. “She hasn’t lifted one sad finger.”

This was too much for Red. She was quick to stand up for Mama suffering such an injustice from her oldest sister. “That’s horrible, Shellie! Tell me she has at least been calling your mama.”

“Nope!”

Red’s eyes widened. “After all your mama has done to help everyone else in the family. I don’t know what’s gotten into your Aunt Elaine.”

All good things must come to an end. I figured the time was up on this gag, too. “Well,” I said. “In her defense, she does have a good excuse.”

“Oh, sure she does,” Red said. “And what is that?”

“She passed away about five years ago.”

“Shellie Charlene!” Red hollered. “You ain’t right.”

I suppose I resemble that remark.

Hugs, Shellie