Most of the pictures below are pretty old but that is what my family members get for not sending me new photos.
I don't have a photo of my father who died when I was 7.98 years old but I remember him vividly. He was very tall, with wide eyes, and big hands. He used to sit with me on our front porch while I waited for my school bus and have milk (PET or Eagle Brand) and cookies using my pink tea set. I used to get shoulder rides and he always spoke in a slow, soft, determined voice that boomed when he was angry. He used to let me play with his balding hair; I would grease and brush it until he got tired of me messing with him. I remember him telling me that I didn't always have to show so many teeth especially around boys. He told me I should save my smile for him. I smiled all the time, I think it scared him to death to have four daughters. He probably would have preferred all boys instead of the two he had at the head and tail of the pack. I share my smile with everyone now but when I’m alone, and no one can see… I still smile for my dad, it’s a special smile just for him.
I have a very small family on Long Island and a few more relatives in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Carolinas and Georgia.
I have a son named Andrew. He is my greatest contribution to life. He is my miracle child...a blessing directly from God. When I told my mother I was having a baby she was so happy that she called everyone in the family to let them know. After she had called everyone and gave them the news she then looked at me, as only a mother can; with love and sincere concern and said "Oh my God, what are you going to do? You don't have a bit of patience." At that moment I was really afraid for the first time in my adult life. Nevertheless, God is good. He blesssed me with patience that has been testing beyond the boundaries of my once limited imagination. Talk about Jehovahjireh! When you die to yourself and submit to the Lord you can do all things! (Philippians 4:13) I wish I had Lashun Pace singing "He keeps doing great things for me!" right about now.
I was raised Old School. Children were seen and not heard, spoken to without asking questions, learned by listening and watching, said 'Yes Ma'am' and 'No Sir' to all adults, did their homework and whatever was asked of them without argument and expected punishment for their wrong deeds. Pregnant teens were shipped down south or up North until they were able to return with their new little brother or sister. Many mothers stayed at home to raise and develop their children, mothers that worked had at least an 18 day everyday because when their 9-5 or 5-5 was done they had to come home to tend to their families. Fathers worked two or three jobs to support their wives and children and often times their parents who lived with them. Jobs like pumping gas, slinging burgers, and hauling trash held more pride than risking life, limb and salvation pushing dope. Everybody went to church. All adults were responsible for all children. This meant that a child could walk from one end of town to the other without fear because so many adults would stop and ask where the child was going. A child was often invited into a yard or home to stay a minute while their mother was called to make sure she knew her child happened to be a few blocks away from home. If she didn't, or a child protested before verification of his/her liberation could be confirmed the child was quickly and without hesitation spanked or otherwise punished. Children were often punished again upon returning home.
Times have changed a lot and I have seen many traditions and family values disappear. What has remained is family. Mothers continue to have children. Many fathers stay to help, grandparents are called upon to help bare the load. Extended families are adopted, if necessary, but the family goes on. My mother was an only child but I have about ten aunts and uncles and scores of cousins on her side of the family.
The family remains. Some strong, some dysfunctional, some large and many small. A few interacial and some multidenominational. Second only to God is family. I treasure each member of my family and love all of them beyond words, particularly my son, nieces and nephews. They are the future of my family and I thank God for blessing my family with them and pray for more, so that my family will grow, larger and stronger.
This photo is of my sister Anna. I was her favorite ;). She went up the King's highway in August of 1994, I used to cry everytime I thought about her, now I just smile and enjoy my memories of her. I think of her often when I need a bit of encouragement and stength. She was my friend and strongest supporter.
Here is my beautiful mother. She loves to cook, feed her family members and loved ones and grow plants and flowers. I've prayed most of my life that she would quit smoking and she has recently celebrated 6 years of no-smoking after over 40 years of addiction! Praise God! I am very proud of her and thankful to the Lord for being so faithful.
These are my siblings. My older brother Jimmy is the head man in charge. Ladies don't e-mail me about him, this is not a love connection Aight?
David (George), and Veanus - Don't call her outta her name! David is in GA with his growing family. He has blessed our family with 5 children. Veanus is in NY with my beautiful niece Latrice, who is lseen below with my son Andrew.
I will be updating the site soon with recent photos of everyone including my youngest nephews Mykal and Matthew. Stay tuned...
