Monthly Archives: September 2011

Unforgotten Love

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ECH
 Unforgotten Love
Some people remember every little detail about your life.  They’ve known you since before you knew yourself and take pride in all of your accomplishments.  There is a man at my church that fits this description, I’ll call him Mr. FS.  Whenever I see him out in public somewhere, he is quick to brag to people that he came to the hospital the day I was born. And ever since I can remember, he always gives me a big hug and kiss on the cheek every Sunday in church.  Every Sunday.

Mr. FS is over the age of 80, although I don’t know his exact age.  He is still married to his wife.  He has shown me the meaning of true love and ’til death do us part.  His wife’s health and memory have declined due to Alzheimer’s Disease.  It’s gotten to the point where she needs full-time care.  They moved her into a nursing home.  And guess what?  He moved there with her. She’s in one room and his room connects.

Although they’ve been there over a year, I just recently realized how deep his love is.  In the nursing home, they stay in the Alzheimer’s wing.  So Mr. FS literally spends all of his time around people that don’t remember much of what’s happening. Could you imagine living a life where you’re the only one that knows your name?  Although they have church at the nursing home, he still brings his wife to church every Sunday. They sit in the same front pew and he still gives me a wide grin, hug and kiss.

I started to realize not only how dedicated Mr. FS was to his wife, but I also realized how sad he must be.  So, I scheduled a dinner date with him at the nursing home.  I HATE nursing homes with a passion, but felt it was the least I could do to make his day.  And he was overjoyed!  I was able to witness a man so in love with his wife that he never wants to leave her side – regardless of her condition.  He pushed her down the hallways with such pride as if it were a first date.  I also better understood the reason they kept coming to our church instead of the church offered at the nursing home. Their service had mostly people unable to care for themselves. Coming to our church was his one opportunity (with his wife) for a sense of normalcy.

I pray that we all find true, genuine love.  Here’s to that person that will be there through thick or thin and is willing to protect us until the end.  As much as I still hate nursing homes, I’ll keep having dates with Mr. and Mrs. FS.  Although I’m not his wife, he has supported me in everything I’ve done so now it’s my turn.  If I can bring even the smallest amount of normalcy or light to his day, I want to do it!  Each time I see that twinkle in his eye, I know how much he appreciates it.  Mr. FS thanks for being you!

September 2011

Yearbook Proof

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Words of the Week
MYTGG
Yearbook Proof
Jessica and I have been great friends through teaching Zumba together.  I first met her in December 2010 when she took my class, then I encouraged her to become a Zumba instructor and the rest is history.  She’s my ride-or-die chic and I’d do anything for her.

Well, recently I invited my friend Tosia to a Challenge Party. She and I ran track in high school together.  She walks in and says hi to Jessica as if they were long time friends.  I thought nothing of it because Louisville is a small place.  Tosia later says that Jessica and I went to middle school together.  What?!  I said I doubted it because they were older than I.  Tosia kept claiming it was true, so I went home to look it up.

As I opened my Westport Middle School yearbook from 1988, I flipped to the sports section.  On page 54 is a picture of Jessica on the girl’s basketball team. Right next to it on page 55 is a photo of me in front of the the cheerleading formation.  Who would have thunk it?!

I now remember Jessica.  She was an 8th grader when I was a 6th grader.  I remember her because she was the ‘busty basketball player”.  As a cheerleader (that was – and still is- waiting for her own larger chest size) that stuck out.

Jessica says she remembers me as “little Michelle” because I was the little cheerleader that flipped down the court. It’s such a weird feeling to know that someone that I feel so close to is someone that I’ve known for sometime (which may be the reason we had an instant bond!)

We shared the story at our Zumba classes and what’s even more ironic is that one of our members, Julie, was in the same class as Jessica.  So, when we flip to page 10, there Julie is also.

It’s a small world after all! Instead of being the Possibility City, maybe we should be Louisville – the city where its possible to know everybody!

Where Oh Where Is My Hair?

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MYT
Where, Oh Where is My Hair?!
Breaking news, breaking news, breaking news! I have cut my hair!  It’s all gone. Goodbye. So long. Farewell. Peace out.  In the garbage to a far away place it has gone!

Well i guess this really isn’t breaking news since I cut my hair almost three weeks ago. But, it is a pretty significant event.  I do not believe that my hair has been this short since the day I prematurely popped out of my mother’s womb 35 years ago.

When I sat in the chair to “chop”, I wasn’t nervous. As the scissors were cutting I still wasn’t nervous.  All I hoped what that I would like it.  I remember the first time I looked up and realized all of the relaxer had been cut away.  My thought was “I don’t like it yet.” But I sat there and let the process continue.

I left the salon with a two strand twist as as I walked out the door I still wasn’t sold on my new look. I went to Go Natural and bought some hair supplies but then has to rush home to prepare for an out of town trip.  It was not until I walked up stairs, into the the bathroom with my mirror that I truly embraced and loved my new natural hairstyle.  It was equally exciting to send my husband a text message and have him ‘turned on’ by the new look.

It definitely feels good to be able run my hair under the water when I take a shower, but I’m still learning what to do with it.  Although it’s not long, I have A LOT of hair all over my head.  I had a hair date with Cherilyn where she gave me some advice as I go on my product trials and I’ve found an obsession with finger twisting these various strands all over my head on an hourly basis.

Unfortunately I learned that you can’t have a bad hair day.  I needed to pick up my car and their shuttle was supposed to call me when they left the store. Well, they didn’t call until they were on my street (I was still laying in bed).  I popped up and went to grab a hat to put on my head but then realized my head and hair are now to big to put on a baseball cap. Crap!!!  I threw some water on my hair and a headband and knew that was the best I could do.

I will say that Louisville has some very friendly natural hair ladies.  Each woman I have encountered has always been so open and knowledgeable.  I do still hope to grow my hair back out like Chaka Kahn or Diana Ross, but I like the fierce look I have now and rockin’ the hair God gave me!

September 2011

We Remember

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NaturalSide
We Remember
It’s always sad to “celebrate” a horrific occasion. Especially something as horrendous as  the tragic events on September 11, 2001.  Many of us remember that day just like it was yesterday.  Although I didn’t personally know anyone who lost their life, our country lost a piece of its soul.

On September 11, 2001 I was teaching first grade at Hawthorne Elementary School.  We had been finishing some projects because Open House was later that night.  There was never an announcement over the intercom about the incidents.  I had gone to the office for something and they were talking about it.  I remember going back to my room and notifying my assistant.

Being a person that want to know all that’s happening around me (which is a good quality for a first grade teacher), I went to the library to find a tv.  And right at that moment I saw the second Tower start to fall.  And at that moment, I didn’t know what to do.

Here I had 24 bright eyed six year olds ready to learn and I’m a teacher trying to figure what’s happening in our world. Unfortunately I couldn’t combine the two emotions.  I couldn’t turn the tv on and let them watch it.  They wouldn’t understand and I still didn’t know what else could have happened.  Talk about being conflicted.

I came up with the best solution I could.  I turned on the tv, on mute, and turned it in the direction where none of the students could see it.  I didn’t really get to see much that day but took pride in the fact that my students left school with the same free spirit as when they came.  Without going into any detail, I simply told them “There was a really bad accident today and a lot of people were hurt.  When you get home, you mom/dad may tell you more about it.” And I left it at that.

I wish the occurrings on September 1, 2001 were that simple, but we all know they weren’t.  As we reflect upon the 10 year anniversary, pray for the thousands of families that were affected, and continue to affected. Try not to hold grudges against an entire group of people because of evil ways of a select few.  Embrace those you love and if you’re not doing what you love there’s no time like today to make it happen!

September 2011

Facebook Prayer

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MYTNatural

 Facebook Prayer

Many of us have this addiction to Facebook and we use it for various things.  If we’re are curious about someone, need a good laugh or are trying to catch someone in a lie – it can all be found on Facebook.

Recently, though, I was part of Facebook being used for something else.  A man.  His name is Anthony Payton.  He played football the years I cheered for the Louisville Fire.  He had an amazing voice and I remember singing to his CD whenever I needed entertainment in my car.  Awesome talent.  Great guy.  Funny personality.

Then there was a post on his Facebook page on August 22: “Anthony was in a serious motorcycle accident this afternoon. He broke both femurs so he has to have surgery tomorrow. They just put pins in to start traction. His arms are REALLY cut up! He’s in bad shape, but stable. He went through the windshield. We need many prayers!!! He’s a trooper! Thank you!!”

And the prayers started.  The next day we heard: “Anthony just got out of surgery and is in recovery. They said the surgery went well! PTL!! If all goes well, he may get one of the rods put in around Thursday. Thanks so much for all of your thoughts and prayers! We greatly appreciate them all!! Please keep ’em coming;-) ♥”

And the prayers kept coming, because the following day we read: “PLEASE pray for Anthony! After surgery last night, he had trouble coming out of the anesthesia. He hasn’t really been responsive. They moved him 2 ICU & put him on a vent 2 help him breathe easier. He is in CT right now 2 find out why he’s having trouble breathing & why he’s not really waking up. I am so scared & need prayers pouring in! I need my husband to be ok. Please pray for him 2 be strong!! I know that he still has such a huge purpose & need him here! Thank you so much!! Love you all!”

It just breaks your heart.  Person after person after person sent out their prayers asking AP to wake up.  Biblical versus were typed.  People posted their favorite songs he performed.  And then this Tuesday there was hope:

“I am cautiously excited about Anthony’s progress today!! He waved, gave thumbs up, and shook his head several times!! He has seemed much more alert! Praying he can continue to move in this wonderful direction!! We have cried with joy today and it’s a wonderful feeling! I’m SO ready to have my husband back!! Please keep the prayers coming!!! We are so thankful to have so many people keeping Anthony and our family in their thoughts and prayers!! It’s means the world to me! Love you all!”

And last night this: “Praise Jesus in the heavens above!!! Anthony Eugene Payton just came off the ventilator!!! Hallelujah!! Miracles are happenin’ ’round here!!! Please continue to send up prayers for his continued recovery! Thank you! Love you all!!”

I learned that Facebook is not the root of all evil and can sometimes be the presence of genuine prayer.  Anthony still has a long battle ahead but it’s great to see that improvements are being made.  Motorcycles – I don’t like them.  Motorcyles – we don’t need them.  Motorcycles – quit taking all of our Black men away.