Monday, March 31, 2014

Gone Too Soon

NANA

POP POP AND EB

AUNT DARLENE, COURTNEY AND I AT AUNT COLETTE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

UNCLE SAM

DIDDY, LYNN AND REECIE

KAZIA AND COURTNEY

JIM'S ANGELS

NANAS BEST FRIEND AUNT FRANCES
No matter how many years you have with someone it hurts like no other hurt to say Goodbye. Over the course of the my life I have lost many people who meant something to me. First and foremost My Nana, Mrs. Betty Filmore who I loved with a love that I probably won't feel ever again until I hold my own grandchild. Or until she holds me again at the place beside our King she has prepared for me. I look just like my Father and he looked just like his Mother.

 My grandmother in the last years of her life retreated to where I now believe God sends those who have witnessed too much. I couldn't take seeing her and not being able to talk to her and have her tell me all the reassurances that only she can give. I made my peace with her and no matter how many books, how many houses or how many accolades I have I would give anything to play Hot Peas and Butter and Red Light Green Light 1,2,3 with my cousins. To hear my grandfather say "Stay off the cellar door". To watch everyone pony up for Mystics lol. To get a straw for my Aunt Sharon and her "medicine". To see my Uncles Norman and Carlton say goodbye to us at the car and after Uncle Carlton passed away no matter what Uncle Norman still did it until he went on to glory a year after my Dad. Uncle Gregory and Uncle Pouper walking up the walk. Nana always made sure you got home safe.



REECIE AND I EASTER AT NANA AND POP POPS HOUSE

FAMILY REUNION IN DELAWARE

EBONI(PREGNANT WITH DANIEL), AUNT MONICA, DORINDA AND KAZIA

DORINDA AND DANEARYS

DIDDY AND I AT NANAS HOMEGOING

AUNTIE S AND MY FAVORITE COUSIN YOUIE

NANA AND AUNT ROSALIE
THE KIDS IN VIRGINIA AT THE FAMILY REUNION


COURT, MANDA AND CARLTON GREGORY


EBONI, JEANINE AND DORINDA AT NANAS

FRED, RJ, UNCLE SAM, TJ JEANINE,AUNT JETAUN, YOUIE AND SOMEONE ELSE LOL

NANA AND EBADEB


AUNTS JETAUN, MONICA, DARLENE AND UNCLE JAMESAND UNCLE BORN

MY LATE FATHER RONALDS BROTHER AND SISTERS

REECIE AND CAPRICE


DAVID AND SHACAR
DORINDA AND I

AUNT DARLENE AND I AT MY BIRTHDAY PARTY

DAVID, SHACAR AND KAZIA TELLING KAYLA BE QUIET

PRINCESSES

MY MOMMY, MY AUNTIE AND RIDE OR DIE AND I IN VIRGINIA

MY AUNTIE J AND MY COUSIN BAYLEN


DAVID AND TRAVIS

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE GENTLE PART BUT BRAVE YES BETTY

Pursuit of Happiness



As we go about life trying to accomplish everything we strive for we must take a moment sometimes to stop and smell the roses. I can only speak for myself but it makes Iife so much easier and less stressful. Stepping out on faith and venturing out of your comfort zone are great ways to recharge your soul and invigorate your Iife.

This weekend I went to lunch alone. It was awesome. I love to spend time with people yet Saturday morning everyone I knew had plans. Even though the weather was inclement I was restless. This apartment which I love so much and all the memories and love it holds can be a bit much sometimes.

I also am learning to say NO. I don't care who you are. I am not going to overextend myself for anyone. I have been on a journey for the last four years. I have been trying to raise David right, pursue my dreams and help others. It's a tall order and one I find I am on with few people. That's OKAY. Really. Some people may feel I am "TOO much" for them but the ones who really love me don't feel that way. I know the difference.

I am so thankful that I had the childhood I did. It prepared me in so many ways to deal with the adversity that comes with life. As I mature I realize I had a great childhood. Two loving parents that sincerely cared about their children. An extended family who spent time with each other forging memories, cementing values. It wasn't about possessions or accolades. It was about creating a legacy so that when we are no longer here the traditions and experiences live on. I feel that way every time I use a dish or pot from my Granny. Showing off my tablecloth from Nana, these are priceless treasures.

Do I want fame and fortune? Yes! Subconsciously we all do. But on a attainable level I just wanna be comfortable. I want to own my own home in multiple places. I want to be able to travel and attend all the events that the organizations I belong to invite me to. I want to be able to say YES more too. Being independent has its pros and cons. There are few I can rely  on. Yet many can rely on me. That's OKAY. Really.

In the end it will all work out. Many have encouraged me over the years to write. It's been a long road. It began when my mother told me to write a book in fifth grade after I got a perfect score on the NYS Writing Test when I wrote about my Uncle Gregory's death and the effect it had on my father and my family. I have never felt truly ready up until now. I am excited about the journey ahead.

I don't know what the future holds. If it's anything like my past I am in for a wild ride. That's the great part about life, the uncertainty and unlimited possibilities. As long as the people I love and love me are here I am GOOD. I do know one thing writing is an integral part in my pursuit of happiness.


The Life and Times of Her Majesty