Motown Girl Sister Golden Hair

By Johnnie Sue Bridges

Johnnie Sue Bridges incredible life story began with the release of her first book, the highly acclaimed Shadows And Scars, a beautiful story that captures the essence of living in the mountains of Middlesboro, Kentucky, with vivid imagery, comical moments and raw emotion. In one cold blue night, she writes of an already painful world turning into nothing short of a nightmare. Bitter coldness and survival starts the reader on a journey that portrays a young mothers fight against poverty, loneliness, and alcoholism, concluding in the riot-torn and racially divided city of Detroit. Shadows And Scars reveals a birds-eye view of the child that struggled to maintain stability in her hauntingly unstable world. Readers will gain the knowledge of endurance within themselves, despite adversity.

Book # 2 Motown Girl Sister Golden Hair chronicles her roller coaster ride through the early 70s growing up in the inner city of Detroits Westside. Hitting the teen years during the underground time of extreme change, uprisings, experimenting with everything under the sun, came at a very high pricerobbery of her self worth and most importantly, the stolen innocence of the ones she dearly loved. Highly educated in cultured urban habit, she was forevermore restless and ran incessantly. And by the grace of God, she eventually changed and escaped. However, some of those she held closest to her heart paid the piper with their lives.
In her own words, No one told us that stuff would kill ya.

Book # 3 of the series
Run BabyGirl Run
Just Published!

The year was 1973. A fourteen-year-old girl hitchhiked across the
country to the Pacific Coast, then back to the Atlantic Ocean. Her
mother died when she was only eleven years old and never knowing
a father, there had to be a way of validating her very existence and to
discover why she was on this planet. The answers were all around her;
however, she would not be able to recognize them until years later.
Meeting with many life-threatening situations, its a thousand wonders
she is still alive to tell her story. Run BabyGirl Run is written with gutwrenching
honesty and allows the reader to see into the very depths of
this beautiful young girls soul.


Editor: Jackie Hurst




www.johnniesuebridges.com

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 24, 2008
• ISBN: 9781462817788

Book preview

Copyright © 2008 by Johnnie Sue Bridges.

Johnnie Sue Bridges reserves all rights to

Motown Girl: Sister Golden Hair cover design and all the art involved © December 7, 2007

With the exception of the Marty Lahti story, "cover photo reprinted by permission of the Detroit Free Press," the article was written by Ted Talbert for the Detroit Free Press on December 30, 1979, and the brochure from the funeral of Richard West, reprinted by permission of the son of Richard West, Ricky West, and reprinted by permission of the Detroit Federation of Musicians ‘Londoner Hires Motown Musicians to Record Tunes’ Local 5 magazine article, photos and original materials by Betty Lahti, photos taken by Frank Pettis, Rick Menzing, and Nikki Brown, Michelle Melkman, and Heidi Abbott, Johnnie Sue Bridges reserves all rights to all other photos contained in Motown Girl: Sister Golden Hair © December 7, 2007.

No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from Johnnie Sue Bridges or the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review in a newspaper, magazine, or electronic publication; neither may any part of this book be reproduced, nor stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other without written permission from Johnnie Sue Bridges or the publisher.

Inspiration for all-original books and all-original sketches:

GOD

Original sketch and design for last page art, front and back cover: Johnnie Sue Bridges

Final art, design, and color for front cover: S. Monique King

Preliminary art for front cover: Kevin Dewade Saylor

Art addition to design of front cover: Allysa Sue Perez

Art for last page: John Ryan

Digital sketch design of original photo on first page: Lisa Rains Lay

Within the memoir pages of Motown Girl: Sister Golden Hair, some of the original names

of the people, the clubs, and the places have been changed.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

52110

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

From the author to the readers

of my memoirs

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

I DEDICATE

MOTOWN GIRL SISTER GOLDEN HAIR

TO MY GRANDMAW

Although most of our life together there was an ever-present battle and sometimes an all-out war going on between us, I loved her and she loved me. I owe her for keeping my family together. She stepped in, took us kids home, and she raised us right. Since I have had my own family, this has given me a bird’s-eye view into why much of the conflict existed between Grandmaw and me. She was hard, and I was hard. She didn’t always do the right thing and I rarely ever did, but we loved each other. Before Grandmaw passed away, we finally made peace between us. Thank God, I was able to tell her I was sorry for everything and how very much I appreciated all she did.

One day, I was lying in a tanning bed thinking about the turmoils that were going on in my life; and all of a sudden it hit me, How on earth did Grandma do it? I would have killed me. I jumped up out of that tanning bed and sent that woman a dozen roses. This was the beginning of a different time for her and I. After that, we had plenty of conversations about us, and I was grateful. What she did for me, Linda, Fred, and Michael was never forgotten by any of us. When Grandma was in her hospital bed getting ready to go see Jesus, I sang Mahalia Jackson’s Trouble of the World to her. After you read chapter 28, you will know why I did that.

Not very many people get the opportunity to make it right while the person is still around; that was a blessing straight from God. Thanks, Lord.

I think of her often and I miss her, but I know I will see her again. I am sure her crown in heaven is full of many jewels.

Thank you, Grandmaw.

missing image file

Me and Grandmaw

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

New book has Middlesboro at its heart

Article written by: Brandy Murray Calvert—Staff Writer of Middlesboro Daily News

When I saw those words written on the front page of the Middlesboro Daily News, I cried. For the very first time since we left Middlesboro back in 1968, I felt my birthplace embrace me. The sensation was overwhelming. It was as if someone had given me a warm blanket.

When I decided to release book number 1 in this series of my memoirs entitled Shadows And Scars, I knew that not everyone would appreciate all I had written, but I had braced myself for that. In my mind, I had it all planned out what I was gonna say when people might express to me their disapproval for telling the things I told in the book. That’s why I made it very clear in the prologue of Shadows And Scars, This is my story. It happened to me, it belongs to me, and I alone possess the right to tell it. Also, I specifically declared, I offer no apologies.

I do have the right to tell my story, I thought. And that I did.

Although I tried very hard not to offend anyone, I was afraid my hometown would banish me forever after reading Shadows And Scars. So I sat on pins and needles awaiting my sentencing. Much to my surprise, I began to get the most awesome comments on my author’s Web site. I was overwhelmed. What I had once thought might be a permanent exile turned into one of the most comforting things that ever happened to me. The much-appreciated comments reminded me of another quote from my prologue: The people that took this journey with me made life so worth being alive. We all lived in a world full of disappointments and disillusionments, but I would not trade one person or anything that happened for all the money in the world. This is so true.

"I love Shadows And Scars, and everyone in it. This journey is what made me the individual I am today, and without a shadow of a doubt, looking through the scars, I am just exactly who the Lord intended for me to be. I am satisfied with the person I have become, and, even if I could, I would not change a thing. To me, this said it all. The only thing that I could possibly add would be, I am thankful for the shadows because that means the Light was shining on me, and I am thankful for the scars because this means I am healed." When I told my daughter, Monique, of how much old stuff broke off me through the rewrite of Shadows And Scars, she laughed and said, I think I’m gonna have to break me off a piece of book! We both crack up every time she says that, and this is something she says often.

I e-mailed the staff writer, Brandy Murray Calvert, who had written the article in the newspaper. This is what I wrote.

Hi Brandy,

Thank you so much for your beautiful article on Shadows And Scars. I have to tell you that the book is doing great, and is opening so many doors for me, but there was not anything, any sweeter, than to see that Middlesboro had embraced Shadows And Scars. I suppose it’s normal to be wanted by the place you love. I love Middlesboro, and I always will. Every now and then, I go back there to visit the places of Shadows And Scars. Last year I took my grandson with me, and in years past, I have taken my children, granddaughter and many friends to visit Middlesboro. Since the book was released, I have had many people tell me that they will go to Middlesboro to see my hometown; this always makes me smile.

I tried to put it into words, but I could not write anything that completely described how I felt. Deep inside, I had always longed for this place that held so many wonderful memories for me as a child. When I read Brandy’s article, it felt as if Middlesboro said, Come back; we love you.

Thank you, Brandy; because of your article, many of my beloved friends and family members contacted me with much needed words of encouragement. Today, I received a call from Daddy’s brother, Uncle Fred Woodby. After his call, I spent the next hour trying to soothe my swollen eyes from the tears of joy. I had not heard his voice since I lived in Middlesboro as a child. He sounded so good. Amongst a million other questions, I asked him if he looked like Daddy. The one thing he did say was, Johnnie Sue, no matter what anyone has ever told you, my brother (Ules Woodby) is your daddy. It was very strange to hear these words. It had been a very long time since someone said that to me. So much time had passed that I never really gave that issue much thought. I cannot wait to see him; this will be a beautiful reunion.

God is slamming doors open for me. I know the term slamming may sound strange, but I could not think of a more appropriate word no matter how hard I tried. He is restoring what the cankerworm had eaten long ago. Every which way I turn, I see this happening. Second only to God, my family is my heart, and I love to see God restoring relationships and mending broken fences.

As I began to ponder how much my life was shifting, it dawned on me that my entire family was experiencing many life-changing events as well. For instance, my husband, Gil, when Mr. Berry Gordy of Motown told him (in reference to his band Rare Earth), You guys didn’t get your just due; we were just talking about that. I have written about this in chapter 39 Motown Recording Artist—Gil Bridges of Rare Earth. Gil had received the very same thing that I got when Brandy wrote, "New Book Has Middlesboro at Its Heart." For the both of us, it was every bit the same as hearing them say, "Come back, we love you." The two of us found restitution in kindly spoken and written words from the places and the people we loved—both within one week of each other.

Truly, God has begun to restore for Gil and I what the cankerworm has eaten in our lives. I cannot stop thanking the Lord for all the mended fences.1 As human beings, I know there are times when we all wonder if God really cares about us but He assures us that we are not forgotten. We are His beloved children, and He will never forget our names. He will gather His family and bring them home. His Word says so, and again, these events were more proof of that.

As I looked at the headlines of the article Brandy had written, I began to remember a day some years prior to this day. I was walking through my hallway at home, contemplating on whether I should drink alcohol at my daughter Jessica’s wedding the next day or not. I knew that I should not drink. It had been just about six months prior that I had sworn off the stuff—on my birthday, September 13 th.

When my car finally came to a stop, I was in a ravine surrounded by lakes, and all I could remember was watching trees fly by my window. I looked up, and I saw Jesus standing outside my car with His arms folded looking at me. His Words to me were, I have told you for the last time! Although I was still trashed, I knew just exactly what He meant. That’s when I pretty much got the picture—I had better straighten up and fly right (as Grandma would say).

But here I was again, trying my best to justify a night to party by using my daughter’s wedding to drink it up with some of my old buddies.

As I headed from the kitchen through the hallway, I heard the Voice of the Lord say to me, "I will withhold no good thing from you."

Now, you would think that first of all, hearing God speak to me would be enough to make up my mind not to drink. Oh no, not me! The first thing that came to mind was I know that God will never go back on His Word, so I can have a couple of drinks, and it won’t hurt a thing. Needless to say, in my infinite wisdom, this is what I did.

Rare Earth was touring Europe, and Gil was not there to see what I did, thank God. This is what I said to myself as I sat in church that following Sunday morning and tried to recall how much of my daughter’s reception I had missed while I partied with my buds.

I thought of how I almost hit a parked car head-on. As fast as I was going, I would have killed us all if Diane had not screamed out, Sue! Stop! I recalled the humiliation of the 7-Eleven store calling the cops on us because we were getting into a car after buying beer to go. Then I looked down at the scripture of the week that was printed on the front of the church bulletin: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly Psalms 84:11. The first thing I thought when I read the last part of that verse—No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly."

Hmmm, I shoulda read the last part of that scripture before I decided to try to manipulate God’s promise.

I knew that once again, He was speaking to me. Only this time, He used the church bulletin to get His point across through my thick skull. I cut out the scripture from the church bulletin and hung it on my refrigerator, and it hangs there today. God had spoken to me, and if I would have had any sense whatsoever, I would have went straight to the Bible and looked up that scripture. I knew He had quoted scripture to me ’cause I had heard it before. Momma and Grandma both had raised me in the Lord; I am no stranger to the Word of God.

God don’t play, and I know this. Out of disobedience, I ended up going off the path again and suffered immensely in some of the worst times of my life battling withdrawals from prescription drug addiction. Although the addiction resulted from having to take pain pills after two back-to-back major surgeries and I had not used the drugs to get high, it was because of my walking in my old man’s shoes that put me in the predicament I was in. I had never been addicted to anything in my life, but little did I know.

One day, I determined that all those pills were making me sick, and I decided I was just gonna quit taking them. I remember thinking, I quit drinking when I wanted to do so; I can quit anything anytime I want! When my children discovered me in the bed, days later, and took me to a doctor, my cardiac’s were in the heart attack zone. Needless to say, what I experienced from withdrawals could be a horror book by itself. It was six months before I was walking on a floor without an incline, and it took me a good year to get my physical and mental health back. During that year, I constantly wondered if permanent damage was done. There it was again—the long road. I always thought that road should have had a sign that read, Road that Johnnie Sue traveled.

Yes, I got lost for a while; but because of God’s mercy, He picked me up, dusted me off, and gave me a brand-new life. One of which has blessed me far more than I could have ever imagined possible. This only happened when I decided to walk uprightly. Then and only then is when the Lord God withheld no good thing from me.

I do not pretend in any way whatsoever to understand all the ways of God, but the scripture says this is okay because that’s the way He hooked it up. His Word in Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. This scripture makes me feel better because sometimes I feel like I don’t know anything—most of the time that’s true.

The main thing I have learned out of all the things that have transpired in the last few years is plain and simple: Do it God’s way, and it will work. Susie’s way always gets me into trouble, and I end up takin’ the long road around right back to the spot where God wanted to put me in the first place. Once again, I say His never-ending mercy has always been there waiting patiently for me to see The Light.

John 14:16 says, Jesus saith unto him, I Am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto The Father, but by Me.

missing image file

This is a photo of the actual church bulletin that I cut out and hung on my refrigerator many years ago; it is still there today.

www.johnniesuebridges.com

www.myspace.com/susie1958

All are welcome. Please come—let’s talk.

Many of my friends, the Middlesboro people that I wrote about, and lots of folks I never met are going to my Web page and leaving beautiful comments, telling me what they think of Shadows And Scars. This has become my favorite pastime—looking for comments from the readers of my story. I am always so excited to see what each individual has to say. No matter if it is a complete stranger or someone dear to my heart, I am always in awe. I am looking forward to your comments, opinions, questions, and views of Motown Girl: Sister Golden Hair also. Even if ya just wanna come on over and chat, you are welcome.

Here are a few of those awesome comments.

Shadows and Scars is such a moving, emotional, amazing story that I recommend to everyone. I know that God had a huge hand in this story and I can’t wait to read the chapters in Johnnie Sue’s life as written by her. Love you Susie!!! Keep that pen movin’ . . . you were born to write and tell your amazing story to everyone.

God Bless Delaney

(Comment by Delaney, August 14, 2007)

Well, I have no idea why I have procrastinated in writing you this letter. I woke up one day, and was in dreamland, half way, and I was thinking—dreaming of how sooooooo amazing my mom is! I was thinking of so many things that make me so proud of you, and when I woke up fully, I started praying. God told me to write you this letter. I knew what to write, and I shoulda done it right away, but I was being lazy, and in a funk, then one thing led to another and it got added to the to do list. :( I don’t understand why it has taken me this long to say these few very meaningful things to you, but nonetheless, they are meaningful more then anything I have ever said. I really wanna read the book, and I was told I cannot read the book ’til I write this letter . . . so here goes :)

First, I just wanna say thank you. You have been the most amazing woman, mom, friend and mentor in the entire possibilities of this world to me. You have shown me things that I know, NO one could show me but you. You are so real, and I don’t know too many people, let alone parents this way—mom and dad. You are my hero; I look up to you and respect you so much. You are not only a fighter, but a winner! You are so beautiful, not only outside but inside. Your heart is full and still filling. You are a proud name in the book of life, and have shown everyone around you how to be proud like you. You struggled from the time you were practically born, and that hurts me much. It is making me cry as we speak, but your struggle is worth so much more then anyone’s simple walk. You have passed on your gifts to your kids, and we all cherish you so much; it is hard to put into words. You are the best mom, and I love you so much. I often think about how fortunate I am to have you as my mom, and how I couldn’t be the mom I am without you. That means more to me then almost anything, but most of all, how you have kept the Lord in our life the whole way through. You have given your family more then any rich money lord could give. You are the richest of all. I think of all the struggle, and how much you have endured, and how you are still shinning high like nothing has ever flawed your life; it is a real inspiration to see how you have triumphed through this wretched world. I don’t know all the pain you have been through, and to be totally honest, I am scared to read anything more then I already know. I feel pain thinking about it, and I know its not even a portion of it; but nonetheless, I can say without knowing any of it, you are the most amazing person I have ever known, and I am proud to be like you in many ways I have adopted from you as my mom and my friend. You raised me as a young girl in this world alone, with no parents raising you. You raised your brothers and sister; you have taken in so many people who didn’t have anyone. You have given and given so much in your life that you have almost given yourself completely away. You are so selfless that you would give your very last of anything for someone else that needed it, and never regret it or think about yourself in the mean time; you would just pick up and go from there. That is something most people cannot proclaim. If you didn’t have free will and salvation, I would swear you were an angel; as so would many other people in this world. All the things you do, are not overlooked, or expected, and never taken for granted. They aren’t done for anything in return, and that is why you will be blessed beyond your own imagination. There is no one like you. Mom, I love you, and I hope you know what you have inspired, taught, and given me, because I do, and if I had a way to return it to you, I would. You deserve it, more then anyone! There is so much more to say but not sure if words can really tell you; for some reason I think you already know. Thank you, for just being you! love you . . . Monique

(Comment by Monique, August 15, 2007)

Susie my dear friend, if I could give you one thing, I would give you the ability to see yourself as others see you . . . Then you would realize what a truly special and talented person you are. Your friendship is one of the things I treasure in life. Knowing that you are my friend, and always will be; keeps my faith in Jesus alive. The book is just delightful, and so are you, Johnnie Sue Bridges from the Holler. Keep those stories coming. One of the greatest joys of my life has been getting to know you, loving Gil, and knowing the Lord is with us all today and always. I love you Susie girl.

(Comment by Pamela Kovarik, August 15, 2007)

The hardest part of this book is the aspect of forgiveness. The book asks many questions to the reader; some people may identify with these conflicts personally. Many books tell a story; this book shows a way of life different from most. The reader constantly struggles with powerful emotions of anger, love, and betrayal. In the end, the readers are left with one strong message that everyone will agree with—Johnnie Sue Bridges has been tough since day one.

(Comment by Rose Lambert, July 12, 2007)

Dear Susie from the Holler

From a guys stand point, the first couple of chapters were a little too lovey-kissy for me. Although, the more I read, every chapter became more interesting to read, than the last. I am so glad you came out being the great person you are. I felt so sorry for your mother and the position she was in. She did the best she could, no doubt about it; because you are living proof of that. I was left wondering if the person got his just punishment for his bad judgment in driving. I am waiting for the next book, I was so sorry this one came to an end. You can write Susie girl, keep them coming. Knowing you and Gil has been a privilege. You showed me just how tough one little girl from the Holler can be. Also, you taught me what a poke was. LOL Many a man could learn a lesson from your book.

Thanks Dave

(Comment by Dave Kovarik, August 21, 2007)

My compliments to the author. Our lives have what they call a ‘Root Core.’

Once understood, they unlock a powerful force to create your life the way it was meant to be. The author of this book has captured every emotion possible. i.e. heartaches, love, laughter, but most of all . . . great sadness. Her life has been one of lonely despair and yet she manages to make you smile through it all (her loneliness as a child and her Roller Coaster ride into adulthood.)Her book is filled with love, laughter and forgiveness. It helps the reader know that with our Lord we can survive just about anything. It’s never too late to live ‘happily ever after’. Each small blessing makes life a joy, and proves you can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips. Her book has shown me that today’s dreams can create our future. I’m proud to call the author my friend.

Thank you Susie for just being you and for writing a book that has changed my life. I loved your book almost as much as I do you. Your special ness’ is wrapped in the colors of the rainbow. Thank you for your friendship. Pamela A.

Love, Pam

(Comment by Pamela Kovarik, August 21, 2007)

Susie Bridges I am sooooo proud of you. It seems like yesterday that I was lying on my couch reading your book. If you remember, I told you I couldn’t put it down. It held my interest, it made me cry, and it made me thank God that you’re in my life and that I’m in yours. I love you, Susie, and here’s to a BEST SELLER, A MOVIE, A SOUNDTRACK, ETC.!!!

Love, Millie

(Comment by Millie Felch-Coffey, August 21, 2007)

I loved your book, and I give it a five on your scale of one to five, five being the best. It was engrossing and insightful, and well written—A story of strength and insecurity, and love of God and family. I was intrigued by your stories of life in rural Kentucky. It’s hard to imagine such a hard life. But thankfully you came out smelling like a rose. Pardon the expression.

Your Friend, Dave (The Mailman)

(Comment by Dave Shoupe, August 21, 2007)

Susie, what a fabulous read . . . I couldn’t put it down. I am amazed at the depth of your recall and the scope of your memory. You put such a loving twist on such a difficult life. I’m looking forward to book two. Thanks, Susie. I loved every word of it.

(Comment by Vicki, August 23, 2007)

Yes Yes—this book rocksssssss

(Comment by Susie S., August 23, 2007)

Johnnie Sue . . . thats how I think of you now. I’m so glad I met you on the plane and you shared your book with me. I just finished it and I loved it!!! You had me laughing and you had me crying . . . what more could you ask out of a book. It started a little slow for me but by the end of the first chapter I couldn’t wait for the next. There were many places that connected with me. I also never knew my real dad and was raised by my mom and my grandmother. I got in trouble all the time (I set the neighbors field on fire).I was a tomboy, climbed trees and played in the woods and water as much as I could. I also have my camera with me all the time. And the outhouse stories really took me back to my aunt’s cottage. Boy I hated it too. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I have to tell you I hate waiting a year for it. Keep writing you have a great talent. I loved the book and I’m looking forward to the next one . . . you go girl

(Comment by Rita Vineski—August 28, 2007)

Sis Susie, this is GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, wonderful job of designing and well put together. You still look just as pretty as all those pictures, very pretty. I love the pic of you with the 56 ford in background, but all the pics, and everything is beautiful.

Congratulations babydoll, you’re a star, right along with your wonderful husband, Gil, one of the many stars of DETROIT.

XOXOXO S.W.A.K. COUNT

(Comment by Steve Gronas, the Count from the Kontinentals,

September 24, 2007)

Sue, I love you so much, and as I read the story of your youth, some of it I could recall from the stories we talked about when we lived together. We had some of the best times and some of the worst times, but I think we both turned out pretty good. Must of been those GREEN BEANS from MOM huh. Love you forever. You are a true friend, and a wonderful writer. Keep up the good work and be gentle in the book when I appear. LOL. Best friends forever, Kay

(Comment by Kay Livesay, September 27, 2007)

I want to start by saying I am from Middlesboro, Kentucky. I read about your book on Middlesboro daily news.com. I go there often, because I also moved to Michigan and I want to stay up to date with what’s going on down there. I don’t live in Detroit but my husband is a teacher there. I am reading your book and have not finished it yet, but already I feel although I know you. I can’t seem to put it down. I can’t put into words how it makes me feel. I have a new found appreciation of my roots and a better understanding of who I am. Middlesboro is still a big part of me. Its where all my family is . . . its where all my childhood memories are . . . and it’s where I got married. I don’t have to tell you that your momma is a strong women, but while I’m reading your book, I’m thinking about my Mamaw and everything that she went through, cause to be honest, it was a lot like what you went through growing up and it seems to tickle her that I still care enough to want to hear her stories again and again even though I’ve heard them all enough to recite them back to her. I respect her so much and I just couldn’t imagine what it was like for her growing up. I grew up poor but I had running water . . . I had a toilet inside my house . . . I’ve called my mamaw a hundred times to ask her if she knew any of the people you were talking about, and of course she does. I’m pretty sure I know some of them too. I know of Jimmy England and in chapter 4 Dunlap Holler (which by the way I have family that moved there) you talk about a girl named Tammy whose dad preached at the 30th street church. Her current husband, Frankie Cox, I know very well and he was the preacher that married me and my husband in 2007 . . . Ever since I was a little girl I have wrote poems, and all my life my Mamaw told me to get them published and of course having a messed up life like mine, she wanted me to include that. I don’t think I have the courage to do what you did, but I am so glad you did. I love your book and I enjoy reading it . . . You paint such a wonderful picture when you recall your childhood memories. It had to be hard to talk about everything. I know I don’t even like to tell people about some of the things I went through . . . my mom was in a deep depression when I was growing up . . . she wouldn’t turn any lights on in the house . . . there as no noise and my step dad worked all the time so I stayed either up in the mountains or down in the creek with my cousins until we got hungry and came home . . . I’m so very proud of where I came from. I have to say this before I go . . . When I read on Middlesboro daily news.com that you was from Middlesboro and you moved to Detroit, Michigan . . . I called my Mamaw and told her and I was so happy I said she’s just like me . . . haha . . . you don’t find too many books about that place and most people never heard of it . . . my husband’s family jokes about our hollers and the way I pronounce things. I love that place and I can’t wait till my visit in march . . . thank you for sharing your story with us . . . It makes me feel grateful of where I come from and the values that was taught to me and a deep sense of people, life, the world, everything . . . thank you . . . God bless you . . .

(Comment by Tonya Kemeny, January 10, 2008)

Susie,

You really caught me off guard when you introduced yourself to me at Ricky’s viewing. I don’t know the last time I saw you, I think it has been at least 30 some years. From what I have read on your Web site it sounds like the Lord has given you the wonderful gift writing. I have to say it is nice to know that the Lord is in your heart and things have worked out well for you. It is great to know that you not only survived your early years but that you became a Believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I think most of us went through a lot of things in our younger years, some we would like to erase but we can’t. I do believe it has made us stronger having lived through being a teenager in our neighborhood with all the temptations that we faced (proof the Lord has us in His hands). As they say, it is not how you start but how you finish.

(Comment by Eric Larson, October 1, 2007)

Well, I am halfway through the book, and even though other people felt the first couple of chapters were long, I felt they were so beautiful and maybe I am partial cuz I have been so lucky to see some of the places, long after; but I could picture them in your times through your words. Also when I am reading the book, I am falling in love with a few of the characters. Lil Johnnie Sue, Momma, Linda Gail, Junebug and now the Kings. It is not like I am thinking of them as I know them. They play a different role as I am reading this story. I love the details; you paint such a heart filled picture; so easy with your words. God blessed you with this gift, as you already know. I can’t stop reading. I stayed up till Ally was waking up for school with my book light on, and realized I needed to go to bed! Anyways, this is very heart wrenching for poor Momma and those lil children, but they seemed to truly know dreams and love.

Can’t wait to finish, and read the next . . .

And just so you know, I have never read a book in my life (besides when I was in school). Now I know I like to read.

(Comment by Monique, October 9, 2007)

Susie, my Sister, I am so very proud of you! When I first picked up your manuscript, I stayed up all night long reading because I couldn’t put it down. There was a lot of emotions and I truly think you have a great talent. Looking forward to the sequels and more sleepless nights, as I know I won’t be able to put it down either. I Love You Girl!

(Comment by Kim Woodby, September 30, 2007)

My beloved Johnnie Sue,

God be with you and all your writings! I praise the Lord for you. I thank God for you and our family, as we are not only family, we are sister’s in Christ. I pray for your peace and prosperity, as I pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem. Do the movie, God has a star . . . AMEN

All my love, Darlene

(Comment by Darlene Pigott, November 5, 2007)

I finished reading the book I actually finished it on Sunday. I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for you to finish number 2 and you better let me know so I can go out and get it. I felt captivated by it, I never imagined when I ran away to your house that we had so much in common. I guess the Lord just blessed me in that my mother is still around. I gave my mother the book and she couldn’t believe that I snuck over there to see you without telling her. I told her how good you look and about the fish tank and she said it reminded her of you with your iguanas. I cannot believe how much Angie resembles your sister Edna’s photo in the book. At least that is how Angie looked to me when she was younger. The only question I have and maybe it is too personal, but did you ever find out if Ules Woodby was really your dad, because you said Nelson really wasn’t. I guess since I know you, I feel compelled to ask, but you don’t have to answer. And one more thing, so did your Grandma and NeNe stay in your mom’s house in Detroit or did they move you guys back to Kentucky? And finally, I must say this knowing you, now I would have never imagined you to be shy . . . Like I said, I was captivated. It is no wonder you didn’t ever turn away those battered children like myself that you met along the way. You are a remarkable women with a remarkable story. Anyway, you said you wanted to know my thoughts. I love ya, and thank you again for taking time out to help me make my Momma’s Christmas.

(Comment by Clarisse, December 30, 2007)

Johnnie Sue

I had to get in touch with you. I read the book, and it was a true inspiration. We grew up in completely different eras, but what we experienced during that same age range was so similar. I hadn’t met or talked to anyone who had really experienced the same feelings as me in regards to taking care of their family. When I was reading Shadows and Scars, I felt a weight being lifted. When I was younger, my mother had serious depression problems. My parents were still married, but my dad was working out of state for a while. It got so bad that I constantly had to care for my two younger brothers. I felt like their mother, like they could not live without me. It progressed on until I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get out or my entire spirit was going to be crushed. Unlike you, I left to be with my dad permanently, and it was the hardest decision I had ever made. I cried myself to sleep every night for at least a month because I didn’t know if my brothers were eating or taking baths or anything. I remember feeling like I was 9 and 10 years old, but I considered myself entirely mature because I had to be. Your book has been a blessing for me, just to know that someone else knows and can talk about those same feelings I felt. I finished reading it the other night, and the first thing I told Matt was that it was amazing how much someone else’s childhood can feel so similar to my own.

I wanted to thank you, for giving me the opportunity to read your book, and for having the courage to write a memoir that I know must have extremely difficult. I cannot imagine recalling all those memories and feelings, as good as some of them might have been; even more, to have the courage to write freely and openly about your memories for yourself and your family. If nothing else, know that it truly has touched my heart and helped me to come to terms with some of my own feelings.

I wish you the best of luck with promoting your book, and I will try my best to help with anything that will get your book out to the public. God bless, and thank you again for the autographed copy!

(Comment by Jessi Lee, December 3, 2007)

I have finished your book, and it was fantastic. Your life could not have been put into words any better. It was great!! It kept me going until I finished it. You made me live your life with you, but oh how it brought back memories that I think we sometimes want to forget. With God’s help, we came through all the bad times, and it has made us the people we are today. Just to let you know my door is always open, especially to family. God always lets us know what to do, if only we will listen. Love Ya, Kila

(Comment by Kila, December 14, 2007)

=) I love you SO much, and I am so proud of you. It’s weird to think my Mama was as much as a rebel as you were, and looking at you now—You progressed over the years and became successful; and for that I am proud. May God Bless you Mama!

(Comment by Ally Kat, November 11, 2007)

Mrs. Bridges,

I am mentioned in your book in chapter 25. My name is Lisa Bussell Schneider. I have no memory of knowing you, but my mother Phyllis has very fond memories of you & your family. She said that your mother was a good friend, someone who always made her laugh. Mom read about your book & we checked it out at the Middlesboro library, she has already read it, and I am in the process. Good luck on all your endeavors. I promise I am not