A Mother’s Love

Today, July 20th, is my Mom’s 96th birthday, and though her homegoing was in 2014, I annually celebrate what a force of nature she was in my life. With losing my Godmother/Aunt recently, this year’s anniversary of her passing has me feeling even more melancholy than usual.

I was born to two teenagers, and at that time, had my Mom not stepped up in her role as my maternal grandmother, I would have been taken into custody to become a ward of the state. I grew up hearing about how the hospital staff were discussing what they were going to do with me shortly after I was born, and my Mom boldly stating, “I know what’s gonna happen; she’s coming home with me!” Two days later, I was released into the loving arms of a woman who loved on me, in big, small and sometimes complicated ways, for the rest of her life, and beyond.

Being a dark-skinned, chubby girl with a Southern accent, and inquisitive about the world around me, there were times when I was ostracized, and left feeling like I didn’t belong. She would remind me that it wasn’t what people called me, but what I answered to that mattered. It took me a while to really understand what that meant, and I am grateful I am in the know now.

I was quick to cry in expressing my hurt feelings, and she would provide what I needed to hear to help me push through, even if it were “tough love” because we were not on the same page. She made me think beyond my big emotions, to unveil the truth, good, bad or indifferent. It continues to help me see things through that lens.

I always knew that she was one of my fiercest Ride ‘or Dies and had made a choice long ago to change the foundation of my life by pouring into me what she could to help me be who I am today. Helping others be their best selves is a choice that I willingly accept, as I am a product of what that means and looks like, thanks to her.

Words cannot express how much she means to me. I am forever grateful that she chose me to raise and share her wisdom with, so that standing in my truth, power and purpose assists me in building onto a legacy that we can both be proud of.

My comfort comes from knowing that her choices were not in vain. We all are faced with choices and consequences, so remember to choose wisely.

~ Ms. Jacquie