The Women That Made Me

As I was driving to work one day this week my mind wandered to a new book I wanted to purchase. I was thinking once I got to work I needed to put the book in my Amazon cart.

Reading has, as far back as I can remember, always been my favorite thing to do. So much so that even now before I leave the house, my husband doesn't ask if I have my cell phone or keys, he asks, "do you have your book?"

The new book I just had to get in my Amazon cart is Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson. As with any other famous actor, actress or musician I don't know much about her except for the movies I've seen her in and the few interviews I've been able to catch over the years. She's always come across to me as kind, caring and wise. Listening to her give interviews I've always thought, "wow, words to live by." So I am super excited to get her book to read all about the things she has seen and known over her ninety six years.

Thinking of the journey Ms. Tyson must have had brought to mind my grandmother and my godmother who will be ninety and ninety-six respectively this year. Both of these women have struck me as strong and resilient. When I am faced with challenges in my life, I think back to things they taught me as a young girl and I push through knowing that what they poured into me was the very best they had compelling me to not give up.

Both these women were born in the south during times of segregation. They both cleaned houses for a living and dedicated their lives to raising their children. They instilled in me the presence of mind to treat other the way I wanted to be treated, to be slow to anger, to be kind, to be just in my dealings and to always carry myself like a lady.

When I think of these two ladies, I am reminded that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I am a reflection of them, their hard work and their sacrifice. My husband thinks I'm old fashioned and that's okay as long as I make these two ladies proud, that is all that matters to me.