Wisconsin – SeasonedSistah

The following remarks were prompted by yesterday’s post, “Nine-Year Cancerversary.” It was written by Phyllis Holder, my long-time breast cancer mentor and founder of Sisters4Cure. I so appreciate and love this phenomenal woman who has inspired, uplifted and guided me throughout the journey.

##########

God bless you Ms. Yvonne. I love you so much. I remember the gift basket I gave you when we first met. It was overflowing with encouragement, prayers for strength and lots of love.
I couldn’t believe that Pam (and the rest of your family) trusted me enough, to turn you over to me. Combining your journey with mine has given me one of life’s best rewards.
The poem I wrote for you. The courage you mounted on wings of prayer. And grace and mercy to stare down the type of breast cancer, triple negative, that 9 years ago we knew damn little about. Just that it killed black women. No need to add the most. In all things breast cancer, black women get the short stick.
God knows I rejoice in the extra time given by our Father who loves us dearly to you, me and every woman {and black man} we have prayed for and shared strategies with. Our Father who loves us dearly said live life to the fullest. The amount of extra time? We wake up gratefully one day at a time.
Happy Canceversary Yvonne Thomas! Salute! Keep smiling. Stay woke. And keep your feet on the path. Amen and amen.

Summer Family and Friends Gathering

The big smile on my face is in anticipation of a fun-filled day at our Summer Family and Friend Gathering, which is held every July in Milwaukee at our youngest daughter’s home. Separated by thousands of miles, I look forward to this gathering to reconnect and create new memories with my Midwest family and friends.

As soon as we arrive the first game begins. Everyone is given a strand of beads with instructions not to cross their legs or arms for the entire day. When you see someone with a crossed leg or arm, you can take their beads. I am a leg and arm crosser and someone always takes my beads within 10-15 minutes. At the end of the day, Damien had the most beads won the prize.

The teenagers practicing to play a basketball game scheduled for later in the day.

Before the golfers arrive to takeover the putting range, this little guy asked his mom, “How do you play this game”?

The younger children waiting for the ready, set go with hopes of winning the Fastest Runner Prize.

One of the most popular games of the day is the three-legged race, enjoyed by the younger children, teenagers and adults.

Twister is a game that my adult grands played and it still is a favorite with the younger kids.

Justin, Savannah, Miles, Damien, Lyric, and ?

We also recognized newlyweds, Tiyawn and Leslie Walker. They tied the knot on June 16th.

I couldn’t end this post without a HUGE THANK YOU to my BEST FRIEND FOREVER and CO-GRANDMOTHER, CEBBY. Knowing how much I rely on photos to remind me of times spent with friends and family throughout the year, she captured and surprised me with some of these photos and many, many more.

Wordless Wednesday – August 24, 2016

Bucket List: Checked Off Two Items

In the summer, I look forward to taking a break from Florida’s hot weather to visit family and friends in Wisconsin. This year, Hubby and I extended our vacation from four to ten days. I needed the extra time to check off two items on my Bucket List.

Visit Mama’s Gravesite in Chicago

I set aside one full day and traveled to Chicago about 90 miles from Milwaukee to visit Mama’s gravesite. In two earlier posts, I shared:

Why? – Lost Memories of Mama, and
What Happened? – Update: Lost Memories of Mama

Solo, 2-Day Mini Vacation in Madison, Wisconsin

I lived in Madison, Wisconsin for more than thirty years. A solo, 2-day mini vacation, without Hubby, freed up space for me to: (1) spend quality time with my “girlfriend” family; and, (2) re-visit several of my favorite places.

I spent many quiet afternoons and evenings at a local park looking out over Lake Monona. To recapture this experience, I booked a room for two nights at the Hilton-Monona Terrace Hotel with a window view of Lake Monona.

Because I wanted to spend time with as many family members as possible, I invited my grand-nieces and step great-granddaughters for a two-night sleepover at the hotel. Sleepless in Madison is my best description of what it’s like to share a room with three teenagers and a nine-year-old; but, I enjoyed every minute with my girls.

The next day, I, along with my girls, meandered through one of my favorite places in Madison, Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Lyric, SeasonedSistah2, Avi, Tianna, Tierra, Kertaeja

I couldn’t stop the camera from clicking and capturing memories of a beautiful afternoon spent in the presence of nature and family.

Tierra (Step-Granddaughter); Lyric (Step-Great-Granddaughter); and Avi (Great-Grand Niece)

In the evening, I went to dinner at one of my favorite eating places, Paisan’s Restaurant. It was my first visit in twenty-six years and I enjoyed a girlfriends night out of lively conversation and sharing memories with thirteen of my favorite friends and family members. The highlight of the evening was meeting my newest family member, Miss Jaelah. She traveled from arm to arm throughout the evening.