THE LOSS OF A FRIEND FAR TOO SOON

I had been feeling pretty sorry for myself today: trip to the doctor, not being able to see my grandchildren until tomorrow. Then things fell into the proper perspective.

I have been on the ABC Board (Alcoholic Beverage Control) with Chiquita Tate for several years. She was so intelligent, so caring, so funny. She called me the "old lady", one of the few people who could get away with this. She wore the craziest shoes: sometimes odd clothes. Clunky jewelry. She drove a huge maroon hummer. She always spoke her mind.

I sat just across from her and sometimes we exchanged glances, showing if we agreed or disagreed on a matter. I always listened to her and reminded myself quite often that, if I were ever involved in a criminal matter, I would call her first.

Last night someone went into her office and very brutally murdered her. Stabbed her multiple times. She was only 34 years old. So much left to do. She was found this morning. As I sit here writing this I remember over and over that she was alive this time last night.

I hope Chief LeDuff and his guys find the murderer soon. And I can think of several of us who would like to spend some quality time with her killer. I can honestly say that I can be creative when I put my mind to it.

I'll see Chiquita again. She was a Christian and didn't mind admitting it. She will be forever young. And this old world will be much less of a place without her.

So Chiquita, rest easy. And "have a good one".

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/39907042.html