Q & A Chats with Area Boomers and Senoirs

Shreveport native Bonita Hays, a retired registered nurse, was married to Wendell for 49½ years, until his passing in 2019. Her family includes 4 sons, 11 grandchildren and her rescue pup, Mia. She shares her passion for Bridge by teaching private lessons and in a small class setting.

Q. Who had the most influence on you growing up?

A. Although I adored both parents, my father was my protector! When I was about 3, I became locked in our bathroom and was screaming and crying. Our house was on pillars in the back side of the house where the bathroom was located and he had to run borrow a ladder from a neighbor, then crawl through the bathroom window and help me. It was terrifying and I did not like closed doors for many years in my childhood.

Q. What is one favorite activity from childhood you wish you could do now?

A. When our first neighbor got a television set, all the neighborhood kids would go in their house and sit on the floor in front of the tv from 3 to 4 in the afternoons, I think it was. We watched Pinkie Lee and Howdy Doody. The commercials were live and when they showed Jello Pudding being made or Wonder Bread that built bodies 7 ways, I always begged my momma to buy those at the store!

Q. What gives you joy? A. My family and friends give