To the Matriarch of my Family

A glimpse into my maternal grandmother’s birthday celebration through the eyes of her eldest grandchild.

Bake

Roti

Curry Potatoes

Rice and Peas

Kale

Spicy Linguine

Sorrel

Curry Chicken

Apple Juice

Lemon-pepper chicken wings

Beef Ribs

Mauby

Grilled Salmon

Plantain

Are you hungry yet?

Talk of Guyana and memories shared with the now deceased.

Smiles and laughter, jokes all around.

Little cousins perfecting destruction.

“Have you built that house yet?”

“How are the kids?”

“Nice to meet you”

“It’s great seeing you again”

The flutter of laughter filled the rooms, threatening to burst out of the windows.

The constant sound of conversation and the patter of new arrivals ensured the front door never stayed shut for too long.

Questions in Spanish I tried really hard to understand followed by short phrases in French, your tongue flowing effortlessly between the three languages you master.

Hours later, when all had said goodbye except your children, their spouses and their offspring, I sang a song to you I’d been practicing for 30 days.

“In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus”

The words remind me of your strength as our rock. Your faith provides a stability on which we have come to rely.

Girl-time with my babies who are growing each and everyday fills me with more life than any other pass time.

I sent your youngest granddaughter to bed at 2am

It’s now 3:24am and you’re singing “Jesus is all the world to me” and watching tennis.

At 6:30am, a walk around the house reminds me of the family you built with my grandfather. 4 grandchildren sleep in the living room, one on each couch. The youngest was sharing space with his parents in a bedroom and the oldest (yours truly) was sharing space with you in another.

6 grandchildren, 3 girls and 3 boys from your 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy.

We all love you more than we could ever find words to explain. Your love has taught me a lot about loving myself and loving those around me. That is why this Self-Love Sunday is dedicated to you.

Happy Self-Love Sunday everyone! This week, I’m challenging you to take the time to express your gratitude for everyone who has loved you deeply and been a healthy example of how you should love yourself and others!