In the movie of my life, my sorority sister A~ would be played by Audrey Marie Anderson - much like the character she played in "The Unit," Kim Brown. Sweet and Southern - a lady. Amiable though certainly no pushover. Behold (the sequence starting at 0:47 is perfect): Kim Brown at her best.

My memory of A~ is a young woman who viewed the world through a lens of innocence (the uncharitable would call it naivete). She lived to be sociable and kind, without the historical trappings of the culture: she extended her kindness to one and all, without discrimination.

I was always shy of A~. Reading American history taught me that white Southern women couldn't possibly have anything but an agenda with anyone with pigmentation, and I always questioned why she'd chosen to accept the bid from us, from a non-traditional sorority. Had she been anything less than perfectly, consistently nice to every person she encountered, without hiding behind any mask of poise or manners, I would have doubted her intentions.

Let's just say that I was young, and didn't have the perspective I have today. I'm not ashamed of being wary; I'm just sorry to have missed out on being closer to a very genuine person.

The universe has a way of making things right, though - if one learns the lesson and takes a chance. A~ messaged me on Facebook earlier today, asking whether I still lived in Houston. As it turns out, career opportunities are bringing her to Houston, and I'll have the chance to get to know her anew.

To say I'm delighted to truly get to know her this time around is an understatement. She won't know it, but every overture of welcome to my - our - town is to make up for my past reserve. I've learned not to paint everyone with the same broad brush, and to welcome friendship as genuinely given as hers was - is - with a full and open heart.