Sacrifice

Saw The Sunrise At The Mississippi River In Missouri

When I looked up the definition of sacrifice it stated, “An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.” This word came to me as I thought about the people who came before me: My Ancestors.

When I was younger, I didn’t realize the privilege I had of spending time with my great grandparents. You know how it is when you’re a kid; you think your normal is everyone else’s normal. So for me to be able to hug them, kiss their cheek and listen to their stories, I thought others got that same experience too. But as an adult, I realized what I experienced was a gift and not the norm. My great grandparents lived to be in their 90s and were still in their “right mind” as the old folks call it.

As I returned to my hometown, I am reminded of the stories about them. I’ve found old obituaries sharing more about their lives and even have pictures of other ancestors I didn’t get a chance to meet. It gives me a sense of pride to know that they did such magnificent things during a time when black people had less access. But somehow, someway, my family figured out how to beat the odds and I am forever grateful for them.

I thank them for every sacrifice they made for me to be here today. I thank them for doing things they didn’t want to, but did for the sake of the family. I thank them for the abilities and opportunities I have today that they could’ve only dreamed of. I thank them for their work ethic and dedication to jobs they might not have cared for. I thank them for EVERYTHING and I don’t take it for granted. Who knows what happened to them, but they chose to live and make the best of their life not only for themselves, but for future generations to come.

I don’t think we realize that if one of our ancestors chose to be with a different person or didn’t live in the city they did or a host of others choices, we wouldn’t be here. That’s how intricate and delicate life is.

So for that, I say: Thank You Ancestors! Thank you for it all and I pray my life is a testament to the love that flows from you to me. May my life reflect the gratitude I have for each of you!!

For taking the time to journey through these words, thank you.