About a month ago I found a bracelet that my mother gave me for Christmas. It was probably fifteen years ago. It has my initials “CWR” on the front and inscribed in the back it says, “My Son, My Pride, My Joy”. It has been a while since I have worn it because I always had difficulty having things wrapped around my wrist. Since I found it, I have worn it almost every day. It is a reminder to me about the love my mother had for her family. It is a reminder of the sacrifices she made for her sons so that we would have the opportunity to succeed.
I write a lot about my mother because she was my first and greatest mentor. Everything good in my life became possible because of what she instilled in me as a child. My mother not only laid down the law, but she led by example. She was small but mighty and she had to be with three growing boys who would have to experience the sometimes harshness of inner-city life. My mother worked hard to provide for us. We had some struggles growing up but somehow someway she would get us through. My mother never saw what she did as hard. She viewed it as necessary because she had sons to raise. We were her life, and we always came first.
I never knew how hard it was for my mother until I was well into my forties and that is when she began opening about her childhood and about how hard it was for her, knowing she would have to raise us alone. She talked about the times she would be alone and cry because she didn’t have the money to pay the rent or buy food. We never knew this because she always presented a strong resolve. She stood tall and faced the challenges and uncertainties to build a life for her boys. We were blessed to have Phyllis as our mother, mentor, leader, and voice.
I did not know it then, but my mother was preparing me so that I could face the hard times and move forward. I have experienced some difficult times in my life and there were times I went through them and came out ok and there were times I failed which led to causing pain for myself and others. Through all my choices right or wrong my mother was there to help me get on the right path.
As I have grown, I see much of my mother in me. Especially during difficult times. I may cry and yell in my room alone, but I work to stand strong because I want to continue to build a better life for my family and make a difference for others who want to change their lives. I work to create a legacy that my mother will be proud of. I don’t care about recognition. As a matter of fact, my mother is looking down from heaven giving me that look because I am praising her. What I would say to her is that I am who I am because you believed in me. You believed in me at my worst and when I was at my best. Your love was truly as unconditional as you could get.
In rememberence of my mother I will continue to stand strong for the legacy she created. I will stand strong for my family and all those who ask for my help. It is who she would want me to be, and I will work hard to be the person she raised me to be.
Thank you, Ma, for the legacy you help build
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 