I was a little surprised because she had never invited me to just sit and actually chat with her, but I thought this fortunate to have some private time with such an amazing human being.

As legend goes, Mama Vermillion is revered as a voodoo priestess of sorts.

Not really a black magic thing though, more like a wise woman, an elder and a “healer” as Maggie calls her.

Maggie goes to see her all the time and tells me about some of what goes on, but not much. I always thought Maggie was doing some kind of work with her, but it always felt off limits to me.

Mama got me settled and said, “I’m going to lock the front door now and close a little early. It’s almost five anyway and I don’t want any interruptions.”

At this point I remembered my instructions from Maggie to be home early, and I started to wonder how on Earth I was ever going to explain this to her.

Mama returned with some tea and said, “Would you like some sugar and some fresh mint in your tea?”

I said, “Sure, but I only have a few minutes.”

Mama smiled and said, “Oh, don’t you worry. Maggie called this morning and told Mama Vermillion you’d be paying her a visit today.”