A New Day
Of late, Darrel and I have been absent, unaccounted for and a bit out of sorts. As with most, a lot has been going on with us. Thank you for your calls, cards, prayers and well wishes for Darrel. He will greatly miss his mother, auntie and two cousins. He spent much needed time in Memphis with his family healing. In his absence I became quiet. For a while I turned off the TV, put down my recreational reading, took a break from world news, political views and all forms of social media. I found healing in the silence. The respite did us both some good. Darrel and I are back getting busy with fun projects and ready for new adventures. We are happy to say today’s blog celebrates our family.
We have been receiving updates about nephew Malik’s progress. After being hit by a car, he was in a coma for three weeks and endured two brain surgeries. His mother’s faith was much stronger than the expectations of his doctors. Joyce ‘believed’ he was doing much better than his medical team thought he was. She sent us a video of Malik following her around the room with his eyes. Weeks later we see him trying to get out of the bed, after that he attempted to feed himself. Most recent is a picture of him sitting in a wheelchair with our son Malik standing beside him. Both of them flashing the victory sign. His rehabilitation will be long and hard but as you can see, Malik is up to the challenge. God Speed nephew!
Darrel and I witnessed a momentous milestone for grandson Eurie. As he held his brand new baby girl, his heart was full of a love he had never experienced before. He could not stop holding, kissing and looking at little Euria in his arms. Another grandson, Kevin and Bella excitedly await the arrival of their baby boy. Darrel and I get a kick out of the ultrasounds they send us. At first, we could not figure out what we were looking at but now… yep that is Kev’s big head. We saw great-grand daughter Ziva learn to walk. From a few tentative steps to throwing her arms up in the air and taking off. She can now keep up with big brothers Ezekiel and Ezra who, by the way, did a great job helping to build a fire in the fireplace. Via FaceTime, we met our newest great-grand daughter Rhea. She is such a cutie but looking at her is like seeing her dad Rashad in a teeny, tiny body. As a big sister, Zola is the definition of sibling protection. She told Aunt Gayl who was holding Rhea, “Be gentle guys.”
Grandson Evan sent a video of himself playing the guitar, the newest musician at Restoration Christian Ministry in Conyers, GA. Grandson DeRel (aka Extra) sent a video of himself crossing the finish line in first place. He said his power stride was only 70% of his speed. He is now ready to go for the state record. In a few weeks, EJ, Evan, Extra and nieces Aria and Angel will graduate from high school. Aria favors Tuskegee College but will take a gap year to explore her options. Angel will pursue her passion as a professional make-up artist. Twins EJ and Evan will attend Central State University on band scholarships and Extra will attend Missouri Valley College on a track scholarship.
We received a beautiful family portrait from niece Shakina. Eight year old Adalia sent me a picture of her fabulous manicure. I just read the newest newsletter from daughter Kito’s business “Here We Grow Project” which is a garden supply and tool closet that also spotlights local gardens and helps raise needed resources. We had a grand time in the pool playing volleyball and swimming at Fraim’s Family Day and finally, our remodel that we shut down in December has been completed.
Our niece and nephews, Sara, King and Teddy have arrived from Kuwait to their new home in Delaware. They taught me chili powder and a ketchup/sriracha mix makes for yummy flavors on pizza. They are extremely curious and ask lots of questions. Their excitement is infectious. Much about America and our culture is new to them. Seeing a “shirtless man” walking down the street left them in shock. They found it hard to believe the man was not arrested. One day we were looking through their photo albums. Most of the photos taken in Kuwait or in their mother’s home of Ethiopia when they were younger. Teddy was very quiet, slowly going through an album. He studied one of the pictures intently and said “Kuwait looks good from here.”
While reflecting on all of this, I sit quietly watching the sunrise, listening to birds singing. I am truly appreciative of our many blessings. My heart is full of gratitude. Today, I plan to cherish every moment that I can. I will fondly think back on the treasured memories this day might leave behind. In echoing the wise words of my nephew Teddy, I would humbly say, “Today looks good from here.”
Amanda ❤️
(All photos from Private Family Collections: Do not copy/share without permission)
Thumbnail Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-light-vacation-picnic-60006/
