Happy Mother’s Day to the realest one on my team. Ten toes down no matter what. You told me I could survive and continue living without my late husband and be successful on my own. Never forgetting the mark he left but becoming my own woman. You told me it was okay to grieve, remember and honor him privately because none of that has to be done for the audience of social media. That my complicated grief and remembrance could be private and sacred.

You told me out of love that last little relationship wasn’t going to work because you can’t love people into their potential, they have to want it for themselves. You told me when someone shows you who they are believe them and don’t try to gaslight myself into believing differently. His loss.

You told me you admired my calling to serve other people but, to not set myself on fire to keep other people warm. You gave me your strength, many times when you had none for yourself.

You taught me the true meaning of “it is what it is”. You taught me the true meaning of “cry, then boss up”. You taught me that this world doesn’t owe me anything, but I owe myself everything.

You made me want to live again.

Happy Mother’s Day. Because with you, you deserve to be celebrated all days. I love you more than anything, even LaRoyce Hawkins. 🫶🏼♥️🎀