After viewing the First Lady's speech and the warm reception she
received--my spirit was lifted. It's amazing if you really ponder the
significance of her visit and the impact that it must have had on those
in the audience to see the progeny of our ancestors return and speak
to them in such an inspirational manner. What is truly amazing is that
she returns as the wife of the President of the United States, Barack
Obama, who has Kenyan roots. There were
also examples given of the young women leaders in the audience and
their resolve to not only help themselves but to help others in the
struggle for empowerment.
One of my favorite poets captures the essence of the First Lady's speech.
"WON'T YOU CELEBRATE WITH ME" won't you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my one hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
~Lucille Clifton~ June 27, 1936 - February 13, 2010
Father's Day is upon us with all the advertising associated with
those special moments the day will bring. In fact so much so that I got
my Sundays confused. So--I'm a little early with the tribute. With
that said, my thoughts have been on stepfathers in particular for
sometimes they get a "bad rap. Just like the evil step mother, this
particular group has had some bad press over the years. Some, deservedly so and others who don't get the praise afforded to them
like the "real" ones. My stepfather is a member of the latter. Mr. Paul Jeffries...I call him "Pop" and I call him love.
He came into my life during early adolescence when a young precocious girl with an independent mother needed an intervention from a strong, principled man. There was some resistance at first. I wasn't too happy about running to my mother's side during the night after a nightmare or a thunderous storm and being turned away because of this "person" who now shared her bed. Time and unconditional love served us well and he was my pop for life. He was strict and at times compassionate when discipline/punishment weren't the best options.
I appreciate this song, 'Dance With My Father Again' by Luther and although my he is still living--age compromises our ability to dance together again. However, I will always remember when we danced at my debutante ball sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. My Pop is from a working class background, highly intelligent and could handle a conversation with the best of them. We "showed out" in a sophisticated manner that night. ^◡^ You were magnificent Pop. Mama sat beaming as we were presented and walked down that excruciatingly long aisle. I truly felt like a princess that night..though. *sigh*
Our last telephone conversation was rather difficult. He was refusing the benefits of a hearing aid at that time and I'm not sure of how much he heard. I was informed recently, that my sister finally convinced and accompanied him for a fitting. He's still complaining about it and will not wear it at times. Cards, gifts and letters are nice, but calling him is best. I will raise my pitch, if needed--so he can hear how much I love him and appreciated his role in my becoming the accomplished woman I am today.
Happy Father's Day to the "Birth Dads" and to those who admirably took on that role and of course, that includes the Granddads and Uncles!!
