Lately, I've been thinking about where my sense of self-freedom originated from. I was amazed to have the answer drop in my spirit this morning just before writing this blog. I have to give honor to my grandmother Elizabeth who had a vital role in raising me and my siblings. I used to say negative things about how she raised us, but as I grew into a mature adult with children of my own, I quickly realized Grandma did the best she could with the knowledge she had. Besides, if it wasn't for her I don't think I would've survived those times Mama would leave and go on her drinking binges. You see my mother was an alcoholic up until I was 9 years old.
Grandma Lib was a strong disciplinary, she ran her house well, she kept us in order. I look back and wonder, "How in the hell were we all so comfortable living in that small house?" Grandma had magic because we lived in a small 3 bedroom house six family members there. Then one of my favorite 1st cousins who would soon become a teen mother, added three small children to our tribe. Wow, amazing!
The house was always clean, and we always had hot meals on the table. Grandma made sure our hygiene was on point, hair braided, healthy, and well dressed. When prom and school dances came up, she made sure I was prepared to enjoy my high school festivities. As a matter of fact, between her and my mother, I went to every prom except my 10th grade prom and that was by choice.
Here's why I give my grandmother her props today. She was strict in the house, but she allowed me to date, hang out with friends, and come and go freely without restraint. I never did anything to destroy that trust so there was never an issue there. As a matter of fact, I began clubbing at the age of 14, and my mama had a lot to do with that. 😂 I always loved to hang out with my friends looking super fly!
My grandmother was a beautiful dark-skinned woman, so being that I resembled her, I experienced what confidence looked like up close and personal. My mother would always tell me and my baby sister that we were beautiful, and that we could accomplish anything. These strong women had struggles, but they made sure I knew my worth.
I've always had a free-spirit and I truly had to think about why this lifestyle is so befitting for me. This is why I always tell people to quit judging folks until they really take time to hear their stories. As the saying goes, "There's always a method to the madness!"
Photos: Me at 14 years old with my beautiful grandmother (Elizabeth) and mother (Linda) in the house grandma raised me in. Oh how I miss these ladies so much! In the pink dress, I was at my 12th grade prom. Life was good!
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