Gone But Not Forgotten

Tonight I'm heart-broken. A dear friend since childhood is no longer with us. After moving to Houston more than 25-years ago we had lost touch, but I never forgot that sweetness and warmth. I can still remember the good times in Atlanta with my mom, dad and my brother David as we drove for miles to spend a few special moments together with my friend. Yes, tonight I'm heart-broken because a relationship once lost, then found, is now lost again . . . . Krispy Kreme Donuts in Northwest Houston has closed its doors for good and all that remains are the memories and the empty green and white shell of a building. Those incredible glazed rings hot out of the grease may have added pounds to my fiftysomething waist line, but oh the sugar rush made it all worth while. The caffeine buzz from their special blend coffee made the occasional trip to the urologist a personal sacrifice worth making. Crulers shaped like tiny four-inch tractor tires would melt in your mouth and the chocolate-dipped originals brought new meaning to the phrase "love at first bite." For a short time the Krispy Kreme in Northwest Houston commanded flashbacks of simpler days when Bonanza rode into my living room every Sunday night and the school boys asked, "Ginger or Mary Ann?" Holy sweet sin-sation Batman, Krispy Kreme donuts were the best and always will be, not only because of their tempting flavor and knack for immediate gratification, but because of all the fond memories surrounding this Southern icon. My hope is that the recently opened Krystal restaurant doesn't meet the same fate here. If it does I will be devastated. Let us pray...