For Grandma

Dear Grandma Wilson,
     They say you never know how much a person means to you until they are gone. That statement is so true. For the past 18 years of my life you have been a supporter and an inspiration. No matter how many people wrote me off over the years, you never did. You constantly told me, "prove them wrong."
     From the first time you sat me down and talked to me, I acknowledged you as grandma. Although I did not come from your bloodline, you always treated me just like I was one of yours. When Tynesha and I stopped speaking for that year---it did not stop you from noticing me. When I got locked up at 16, you supported me and and I could never tell you how much that meant to me. I appreciate you so much. You honesty was raw and unrelenting. Your love was unconditional and your words were straight to the point.
*Memory- I remember that night Ty, Sade and I had guys in your basement while you were out. You came home unannounced and the guys ran out the back door. You found a condom in your basement and everybody denied it. I got punished for it because Jettie believed it was me. When you looked me in my eye and told me that you KNEW it wasn't me, my punishment no longer mattered.
    After I was told that you had cancer, I thought to myself, "oh, she will be fine." When I talked to you, we joked about how you were going to come back from this with more vitality and brutal honesty. You said, "I'm not leaving just yet." That was shortly before Thanksgiving, it was only two days into the new year that you left this world. I regret not coming to see you Thanksgiving evening with my husband and sons. I did not know that would be my final opportunity to do so.
     I wish i had visited you before you left. I wasn't brave enough. I couldn't bear to see you sick. You have always been so strong, so independent. I refused to see you like that. Just like i couldn't look at you today. I started toward you casket and i had to look away.
    NO WOMAN has spoken wiser words to me then you. I miss you all ready. Im thankful that you raised my only real friend in life. She is so much like you that I could never forget you. I appreciate every conversation we had and the guidance you have given me.

Love,
Sharita

RIP Mary Isabell Wilson 1944-2012