There are regular trials and tribulations that are just a part of life that makes a chosen path of dietary sustenance almost difficult to maintain. Divorce, death, moving, transition, new births and the list can go on.. This is where the table turned for me because I watched as both my parents and my two oldest siblings died from things I know could have been reversed with simple and consistent dietary changes..
Sure I maintain MY dietary choices more often than not, and sometimes that includes a cupcake that my 5 year old granddaughter stuffs into my mouth. Sometimes it's the burnt toast and fruit loops that my 9 year old grandson makes me for breakfast..and sometimes its what my daughter-in-law cooks, because she wants to impress me, and do something nice. so, I say. . . Live fully, love completely and eat to live. 100% raw is great for some and not attainable to all. Continually upgrade your choices and the quality of your life and health will improve..On to the story
The story as I recount it to my relatives. . .
Every year around now, I remember the boys being excited we were planning a trip to California for Christmas in 1993. After that trip was over, my whole life and family dynamic would change forever.
I recall one day while at work in the Barbershop, my sister called to tell me that our mother had died. I wasn’t surprised or upset as much as relieved she had suffered terribly. And Dad had passed two years earlier. On that clear, cold January morning, standing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, I was struck with the realization and the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.
No more hugs or kisses, no more time to put it off till the Summer, No more I'll do it for you next week, no more lucky moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to say hi, no more drives across the country to visit a mom or dad since they don’t travel anymore. No more 'just wait a minute.'
Sometimes, what we don't even realize is that what we care about the most goes away.
Never to return before we can say good-bye, sorry or say 'I Love You.'
I know my mom knew I loved her and would miss her dearly. I know my 2 sons, my nieces Andrea and Carla, and my nephew Craig, even my great nieces Destinee and Takyia although babies then, enjoyed that cross country hike and the time spent that last week of my mother’s life in California at my sisters house over the Christmas Holiday.
Yes, on that morning, after that call I realized that I was the youngest of five adult children of Rosetta Stewart. I realized that, one day my two sons would too know this feeling of having run out of time.
So in 2011 and beyond, while we have it .... it's best we love who and what we can for as long as we can. Care for the people and the things in our lives that matter.
Fix things when they’re broken, and facilitate healing and take good care of people and things when sick.
This is true for relationships of all types; marriages; and friendships; relatives near and far; and children with bad report cards; in-laws and out-laws; and dogs with bad hips; and aging parents and grandparents; lots of things that have added meaning to our lives over the years.
We keep them because they are worth it, Because on some level we cherish them, they matter!
Some things we keep --like a best friend from years ago a classmate we grew up with, that favorite pair of jeans or that now mangy old dog. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Since that January phone call almost 17 years ago, I've gotten the same call about my Sister Janyce and my Brother Gary. Yep, sometimes there is just no more.
Now, I am one of three living children of Rosetta Stewart. I probably have over 45 nieces and nephews, many I have never and probably will never have an opportunity to share a life with but, still, I'm here.
I received this from someone who reminded me that to them, through thick and thin, I was a 'KEEPER'! (I know its because she likes my RAW Chocolate concoctions).
Then I thought about my life and situation. I thought about my “Keepers”.
Sometimes we just need to let folks know that; Just because you don't ever see me, does not mean I am not there. Just because you hardly hear from me does not mean that I don't care.
Life is a beautifully woven tapestry of friendships, hardships, loves, hates, joys and disappointments. I've been a giver of these tapestries and I've also received...
Today, to you all, I give this; for my friends, co-conspirators, colleagues, students and teachers in the life of RAWness.
Eat (Raw fruits and vegetables), Drink (Smoothies and Distilled water), and be merry all the time (even while making short dietary deviations without guilt), For tomorrow is not promised.
The Divine Ms. V
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