Today is my birthday – the day I become an elder, and I’m feeling some kind of way about it. I’m beginning to understand how ma felt on her elder birthday. All I can think about are all the things I’ve never had the opportunity to do, and I feel as if I’m running out…
Mase returns home from his chess meeting as Dub heads outside. Wade: I’m going for a bike ride. Want to come? Mason: No. I think I need a nap. Wade: Okay, suit yourself. Dub hops on his bike and rides along the path parallel to the River Bagley. Dub stops when he gets to a…
It’s Spring, which means it’s planting season, and there’s a ton of work on the farm to prepare. So I dress quickly and leave my bedroom just as Dub emerges from his. The holidays are over, so it’s back-to-school time for all three boys. Dub, Mase, and Drake gather in the kitchen with Jalisa to…
I find out that Lia and Stef are expecting when I finally reenter the house and sit at the table. Jalisa: You definitely should have a baby shower. It’s the best way to get everything you need for the baby. Jamelia: I don’t know, mom. I don’t want to bring that kind of attention to…
Me-Me and Jalisa pause for a few selfies after leaving the spa. Melisa: *kissing her mom’s cheek* I love you, mom! Jalisa: Love you too, Me-Me. Jalisa: I’m going inside for a bath. Melisa: But Lia will be here any minute. Jalisa: I’ve waited all this time – I can wait a few more minutes….
I’m approaching a new stage in my life, and I decide it’s time for another change in my appearance. So I cut off my hair again, just like I did before starting college. But this time, I probably won’t be growing it back. I go downstairs to a full kitchen. Leslie is down there washing…
Dub and Perla sit at a nearby table, admiring the decorations and listening to the music. Moments later, the song changes to something that Perla seems to like. She begins to snap her fingers and nod her head to the beat. Dub takes this as his cue. Wade: Do you want to dance? Perla: Yeah,…
Me-Me searches the house for her mother and finds her sitting alone in the laundry room. Understandably, Jalisa hasn’t been herself since she and Leslie arrived. She’s been pensive and walks around with silent steps as if trying to disappear. So naturally, Me-Me is worried. Melisa: Mom, are you okay? Jalisa: I’m alright. Melisa: Are…
I tell the boys all about the physical process involved in woohoo. I’m sure it’s nothing they haven’t heard before, but there are a few things I want to emphasize. Kai: Boys, it’s natural to want to stick your thing somewhere. Your hormones constantly tell you that’s what you’re supposed to do. And I won’t…
I wake up the morning of New Year’s Eve, reflecting on my life. Despite the losses we’ve experienced over the years, I’m happy to say that Me-Me and I have built a great life together. Our relationship is strong, and our kids are happy and healthy. We’ve done well. I enter the kitchen to prepare…
