Phenomenally Me

Story Time: My mom sent me this picture today and I couldn’t help but smile. However, that smile was followed by tears of gratitude. (long post warning)
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My maternal grandma—was born in Arkansas to teachers. After graduating from high school, she moved to Detroit. Though qualified for some of the “better paying” jobs she found herself working as a maid because a health screener found that she was diabetic. In spite of this, she was able to purchase her own home and raise 6 children while fostering countless others—not to mention, feed the neighborhood 😊.
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My mother—grew up on the Eastside of Detroit. She decided that she didn’t want to struggle financially and that she wanted better opportunities for herself and future children. At 10, she got her own paper route. In high school she was an All -State Volleyball player and was offered scholarships to play in college. After graduating college, she became a Detroit Police Officer and started a family. However, shortly after I was born, a slip and fall accident while on duty, caused her to need a wheelchair, crutches or a cane for the following 10 years. She couldn’t go up stairs unassisted or walk long distances. I have several childhood memories pushing my mom in her wheelchair. Despite her injury, she went on to become a successful entrepreneur—owning several homes in the Detroit Metro Area and sending all her children to their university of choice (those pictured at Alum). Also, my mom is now able to run, bike and walks 8miles + per day.
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Yesterday may have been , but I like to celebrate the dope women in my life whenever I can. Because of the phenomenal woman before me pushing past and shattering the limitations of their minds or that society tried to place on them, I’m able to soar.

(Pictured: my maternal grandmother, mom, sister, brother and me)
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