May 2003

I'm back!!

This past year I experienced some very real challenges. I’ve been through a lot but you’ll have to wait a while to find out exactly what I’m talking about.

Right now, given that Mother’s Day is upon us, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about the person most responsible for making me who I am today. A remarkable woman who I love with all my heart and who I will never be able to repay for all her unselfishness, sacrifice, love and devotion—my hero and sister Henrietta.

I am the youngest of nine children and when I was only 2 years old, my mother died of heart failure. She was only in her 30’s at the time. The oldest child was my 16-year-old sister, Henrietta. A straight “A” student who’s biggest dreams was to get an academic scholarship and go away to college. She did get the scholarship but put her dreams on hold to stay home and take care of the family. Other relatives offered to help but couldn’t care for all of us because it would have meant separating us. Henrietta graduated high school early, went to a local college, and worked to help support the family. She couldn’t fulfill her dream of going away to a 4-year college but she made sure the rest of us did.

In the mid 80’s, my father suffered a stroke and Henrietta cared for him until his death. One of my other sisters was stricken with a debilitating disease and Henrietta moved her in to her house where she has cared for her ever since. My oldest brother and Henrietta’s best friend, died from a heart attack while in his late 30’s.

She never gave up or ever asked any of us for any help, nor does she limit her good deeds to our family. As a pediatric nurse she routinely spends her own money for shoes, clothes, toys—whatever, for needy children. She also cares for people in the community by providing children with school supplies, clothes, food, etc—all out of her own pocket. She also brings meals and medical supplies to several elderly widows.

My dream for her is to do something for herself—something she truly has not done for in over 30 years. I know that I cannot return the years she sacrificed for our family but I would like the world to know what a great woman she is and let her know how much I love her. My sister did not give birth to my brothers, sisters, or me but she definitely gave us life.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom/Sis,

Love,

Cynthia

Your backstage pass collection:
February 2000
April 2000
May 2000
August 2000
December 2000
February 2001
December 2001