When You Share a Birthday

Chica (left) and me (right)

Every birthday I think of her. I know it's because I was born on her second birthday. So...for as long as I've been alive, my special day has always been hers too.

Growing up, we shared birthday parties, and you know what? That never bothered me. In fact, it was all we knew.

So on this my 42nd birthday, it's no surprise the first person I think about...is her.  My sister. Growing up, we were close. During our teens, we fought. As adults, it seems we've managed to accept each other...for who we are.

This past weekend, I attended a baby shower for one of my dear friends. During her shower, she thanked her sister and told her she was her favorite sister (even though she's her only sister).  I loved what she said about her sister. It was sweet, and it was the truth.

So. Happy birthday Chica! You are my most favorite sister.

Good Times

My sister sent me this photo a couple of days ago.  It was taken while my mom was here just last week.  Man, we had a good time! Another one of those treasured times in my life.

These two...my mom and my sister...are some special people in my heart. It's moments like these that really put things in perspective for me.  Family. Love. Good times.

You can kinda see me in the background...barely...photo bomb style.  I was really happy that night.  I remember it vividly.  Some really dear friends (we've known them since I was a little girl in Jamaica) had stopped by, and we were all reminiscing and taking photos. We knew it was a special moment, one to be treasured because we are not all together as often as life permits.  So...we take photos to cherish these times.

And this photo captures the joy I feel when I'm around these two.

Good times indeed.

Make Someone's Day - 3

We were both born in January.

On the 21st to be exact.

Precisely two years apart. 

Together is how we grew up celebrating our birthdays.

But we didn't always get along.

Like most siblings, we often fought.

But these days, we are closer than we've ever been.

That's why today, I decided to do something to make my sister's day.

Where I'm From

I am from cloth diapers, clotheslines, and clothespins.

I am from a loving, caring, and devoted mother. She is, to this day, one of the best people I know.

I am from a father who did the best he could, but fell short in countless ways.

I am from maids and helpers who helped to take care of me and my sister while our parents worked.

I am from prep schools with uniforms, high standards, and hard work.

I am from celebrating birthdays with my sister, Chica, because I was born on her second birthday. I'm still her best gift ever. Ha!

I am from Mama and Papa, a slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins back when it really did take a village to help raise a child.

I am from any fruit tree you can possibly imagine...mango, coconut, avocado, plum, apple, orange, cherry, star-apple, and grapefruit...too many more to list.

I am from palm trees, steep mountains, lush landscapes, breathtaking views and white sandy beaches that stretch for miles.

I am from torrential rains and Mother Nature's devastating hurricanes.

I am from the island of Jamaica where our motto is, "Out of many one people."

I am from a country where people are just people. We are not categorized as Black, White, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Asian, or Other.

I am from a neighborhood where anyone knows almost everyone and, "Ice-cream, ice-cream cake and Nutty Buddy," was an incessant afternoon call from the local ice-cream man as he rode through the streets, on his bicycle, carrying icy treats. This still brings a smile to my face.

I am from going to Hellshire Beach every Saturday, and some Sundays too, when mom would pack enough bully beef sandwiches to feed the entire neighborhood. I miss those days.

 Coconut Drops

Bread Pudding

I am from bread pudding, lemon meringue pies, stew cherries, sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and many other delectable treats, with mouth watering aromas, that made my house a home.

This is where I'm from.