Today is September 26th, 2020. My Mother would have been 69 years old today. There really is not a day that goes by that I do not think about or miss her tremendously. At a time like now, when there is so much going on in the world, it would not be unusual for us to speak 4 or 5 times a day. She would make me laugh and encourage me like only a parent could.
I am a strong woman. Not because I said so but because everything, I have been through has yet to knock me down. I have survived unthinkable physical, sexual, and emotional trauma throughout my life. Despite it all, I have walked with my head held high and achieved wonderful milestones in my existence.
My mother was an amazing Black mom. She was not without her flaws but like any normal human being, she did what I believed was her absolute best. As an African American woman, she was raised by her father because her own mother died when she was 3 years old. She raised 4 daughters pretty much on her own imparting wisdom into us that we carry with us today.
Some days I pick up the phone to call her. Reality kicks in and I am back to facing the world without my biggest cheerleader and support system. I am unable to tell her about how I am feeling about the situations at work while she listens with great interest or express how Covid-19 has really turned the world upside down. We would be discussing the current state of systemic racism and what it is doing to our country and us as individuals. Those moments will never happen.
One of the greatest lessons I learned from my mother is knowing my self-worth. Understanding who I am and never compromising my values. Integrity is everything and keeping your word is important. We as Black Women, are being shown more and more every day just how hard the fight for us is. The deck is stacked against us and we are in constant defense mode to protect ourselves from black men, white men, white women, and anyone else who sees us as a threat to their well-being.
History will show we are the fabric that keeps the world together. It is our fearlessness, intellect, tenacity, strength, and love that shows up and shows out when there are problems to be solved. We are most heavily to be relied upon to “fix it” and “keep it together” generation after generation. We have been bruised, broken, beaten, and raped from all sides without full protection since the beginning of time yet we maintained enough to raise scholars, scientists, doctors, musicians, and inventors of all kinds. Our contributions are endless.
Whether you are Black or not, women are the glue that keeps the family together. My mother, Wilma K. Cuthbertson, was our glue. Today for her birthday I will not mourn the absence of her but instead celebrate the lessons she gave me to in being a powerful woman and mom. We are to be believed, we are to be protected, we are to be loved and most importantly, WE ROCK!
I love you all. If you are fortunate to still have your mother or grandmother with you, take a moment this week to appreciate some of the lessons they may have taught you. I know every relationship has its own story but even in the ones that do not have happy endings, there are lessons there for life as well!
Be Blessed!
Categories
