by Quiana Kyles

Created on: April 04, 2009

MY HERITAGE

There, I stood having to hold onto the wall for support as the words ring out into the my atmosphere.................She's gone.

Who's she? My grandmother who's a pillar of strength and courage even while she rests in heaven. She's, taught me so much and my fondest memory was of a time when I sat in her room, on her bed and she looked deep into my eyes reassuring me of my womanhood and dignity "Your role as a women is to take care of your family," she told me. She, encouraged me to stand up for what was right and just, sharing in the sorrows of others while promoting unity among my community. I, honestly have to say that I took her for granted because it didn't really dawn on me that she was more then just a caregiver that she actually influenced the lives of so many people. It's, been a year since that cold winter day in Chicago.......The day of her resting.

Breast Cancer, became such a reality in my life to the point where I wish I never had to go through it's doors. Yet, I'm determined to not allow her passing to stop the production of my faith. Life, is worth living and dreams are worth having despite the struggles that you face in your journey. She, has had her hand in every aspect of my life and for the times we've shared I'm grateful. She detected, in the spread of hips my third off spring to the way she could detect a lie.............She, was good! Even, when the kids had to go into the other room to watch t.v. "Staying out of grown folks faces," her laughter was contagious! She, even promised to keep the secret of my first kiss resting that part of my life on her heart. She, treated me as her own special something as I cherished her bloodline within me. My nightmare came true the day she forgot who I was yet her face brighten as she asked my dad "who is she" ?

I, understood the characteristics of Alzheimer's as grandparents before greeted the devilish robber. Oh yes, her smile lit up the room as she witnessed my poetry, my smile, my confidence. Gone, are the memories of her singing in the gospel groups, and traveling cross country on a mission to exhibit her faith within every note. She, has bestowed upon me her legacy for success. She, carried her cross and now God has her spirit saturated with His glory. "I, will see her again", I vowed shortly after kissing her casket. My, arms extended toward heaven releasing all of the sadness away. In, my daily walks now I can hear her laughter and her reassuring me that all is well..........

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