Before I wrote 1 word I was already in tears. Just the thought of how lucky I was growing up and how lucky I am NOW to have such a strong support system. To know I make them smile, laugh and proud. To know that Im special enough to be born to 2 such beautiful, strong, successful, supportive and loving people. I often wonder to myself, what did I do so great in my past life to deserve them... why me? As I sit here with the tears falling down my face I write this letter to my Parents. My MOTHER and MY FATHER!
Mommy and Daddy,
For as long as I can remember I was either Boots or Sugarpie, babe or stankdooky (yea I said it). From licking the cake batter off the beaters and rolling dough to help mom make biscuits in the morning to catching dragonflies and fishing with dad at night. From the day I started dancing to the day I stopped running Track. You knew who I was destined to be and you both made sure I got there. W/o you I may have been on the wrong side of the track. Ive grown up to see many I grew up with and used to be close to on drugs, in jail and even Resting In Peace. Ive grown to never take anything for granted and that working for what I have accomplished in my life and career is thru hard work. Youve taught me the most important thing I need in LIFE is not the material things, not money, not status but LOVE.
Although I grew up Middle Class in a low to middle income neighborhood called Tangelo Park, I love the fact that the quote "It takes a village to raise a child" was one statement that held true on our street. From the block parties to the Tailgating trips during FAMU Homecoming. The memories I have of playing 2/4 Square, Kickball, Freeze Tag, etc. then coming home when the street lights came on to a home made meal is something I will never forget. I remember for most my years growing up, how open you were to my friends coming by and becoming the father and mother figures some didnt have. I never noticed it then but I do notice it now. You had a strong impact on not just me, but everyone you have come in contact with.
Whether it was the small things like dropping me off and picking me up from school so I wouldnt have to catch the bus, or supporting every competition in every sport Ive ever participated in, I always had that support system a lot of kids didnt have and still dont. I am who I am because of who you made me to be. It means so much to know Ive made you proud but It also hurts to know that Ive disappointed you in some of my decisions whether you say it or not. I never want to make you feel as if you did something wrong. I never want you to feel as if somewhere you fell short. Ive cried many nights knowing that if I had never done that infamous pool party a lot of judgment passed on how I was raised wouldnt even be a factor. I apologize for ever putting myself in that position. I apologize for any backlash you may have received because your daughter, me, may have caused. Although you have always stood by me, thru everything, I refuse to let you feel in any way that my decision to do that had ANYTHING to do with how you raised me.
I am still Daddy's Girl, I am still Mommy's Minime. I am still that girl that looks up to her daddy and misses being carried away to bed and tucked it. I am still that little girl that is amazed by her mother and how many lives she touches everyday. I am not perfect but in my mind I was raised by the best 2 people God couldve EVER given me. You are my rock, my foundation, and the reason I am who I am. I love you so much and I could go on and on but Ill wait. You are celebrating 40 years of marriage this year and I can only hope to experience the same thing. I look at you play, I look at you laugh with each other, I see you argue, I see you agree, but mostly I see you love. Ive never lacked love. I heard it everyday. So even tho this little girl went from ponytails to....ponytails Im still the one who looked up to you both as my heroes. I am a mother now and I can only hope that Ill be as great of a parent as you both were to me. Braylon loves you both more than you know. Mai and Pop Pop. You may not realize it but I watch you with him and I see myself and I cant help but smile because hes as lucky as I am to have you in his life. I love you more than words can say!
Sugarpie/Boots
