I don’t want to be the one to always come across as only reflecting on tough times but to be honest, we are living in tough times. We can still be blessed or fortunate during these times though. We need more happiness and love in this world badly. So, I would like to take a little time to reflect on a happy memory of my own to share with the world.
When I was growing up, there was a time when we were rich and there was a time when we were poor. My father had plenty of money because he worked a good job. It was second nature for him to not only take care of his family but also make sure that if he was looking sharp (as they used to say), we were looking sharp too. We never wanted for anything. He would always put himself to the side as far as personal wants and needs and he would smile so hard when he would see how happy we were. He never raised his voice no matter what anyone did to him but when he meant business, it was known. He carried himself in such an educated and seasoned way till I admired him greatly. He never murmured one disrespectful word to a female and always had time for me to listen and talk with me so that he could make sure his daughter knew she was loved. I honestly don’t know how he did it because he worked so much. My father didn’t know it, but he influenced me to want a man in my life just like him when I grew up; honest, kind-hearted, humble but firm when need be, respectful, loads of class, and educated. I wish I had a chance to tell him this.
He had a heavy accent because he grew up in Louisiana much of his life. He was never dressed shabby. He influenced other young men to carry themselves in the same respectful manner without telling them how to dress. When someone spoke, he listened and when they were finished, calmly, he spoke. He would always make sure I had money in order to teach me to never take money from strangers or from men or boys because nothing in this world is free and I understood. It also taught me not to settle for less or degrade myself by using men for money. My dad was so smart. I miss him.
He taught me to get my education; always aim high and go to college too; get a high paying job and always be talented at more than one thing so that I would always be able to find a job and take care of myself and that way, when I did settled down, it would be for love and not for money. The man I would later get with would fully understand that I was an accomplished and highly valuable woman with class and high standards but also humble enough to know that money couldn’t buy love.
For a long time, my father was my best friend. I could talk to him about anything. He would laugh a lot when I would tell him about my high school crushes, college crushes, and different random things that I would face from day to day and just wanted to talk about. However, when my parents divorced ( due to no fault of his), I was raised by my grandmother and she didn’t have a lot but it was still an humbly experience and one of the best times of my life. My dad came to visit me all of the time and made sure I didn’t want for anything just the same but left room for me to learn that sometimes in life, you won’t have everything at your fingertips but as long as you have everything that you need, you will be alright. I admired them both for this.
It’s the little things sometimes that make the biggest difference and gives us the most lasting memories to feed off of when times get hard. I have plenty of these types of memories and everyday now, they help me keep my head up and keep going no matter how sad the world gets. I hate that there is so much pain, hatred, anger, violence and etc. going on right now but I also understand it is not in my hands. I do know however, to still be thankful for what I have been blessed to have and what I still have now. I hope you all are doing well this Sunday morning. Please remember: It could always be worse. If you have even the smallest joy in this life, please be thankful still.
Be Kind, stay safe, and stay alive
GG
Mom Life Lessons w/GG 