PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN THAT IMPACT YOUR LIFE

Mary Harley, in front of her home in Lillington, NC

My fellow readers the picture that you see is that of Mary Harley, a southern African American women who is now in her sweet 80's living by herself in a lovely home in Lillington, North Carolina.  I meant this lovely women at the tender age of 5.  My first acquaintance with her was at a private ceremony whereby I got 2 sets of God Parents.  My mother selected her Aunt & Uncle the Fevrier's & the Harley's to be my God Parents.  I remember being dressed in all white & my hair had a fresh professional press.  The priest was getting ready to pour I suppose holy water on me.  He lifted my veil, I had to bend some for this process to take place near this basin of sorts.  I am not catholic so pardon me for not giving you the appropriate names of items for such an important ceremony.  Well when I noticed that this priest was getting ready to pour water on my head, and we all know what happens to natural hair when water touches it.  I looked at my Mom sitting in the pews like "I know this man is not about to put water on my head, I just got my hair done!"  My Mom already knew what I was thinking and gave me the "Look"  the look that said "I dare you to even try to ruin this occasion"  the look that said "try me cause I'll just dip your head in the water for you."  Well with looks like that I knew I couldn't move and just go with the flow.

After the ceremony there was a light reception at my Godmother's right on Brooklyn Ave. & Clarendon Rd. & I got to meet my God brother, he too was dressed in all white.  Pictures were taken, I was showered with sweet gifts & I got to spend time with new people.

Over the years, and with my Mom's passing in 1983.  My God Parents tried their best to comfort me and to keep their doors open if need be.  My Godmother taught me how to smile even when situations appeared extremely bleak.  She taught me to be clean, treated me like her princess.  She always lent her shoulder & her ears whenever I needed her.  She till this day continues to give me advice, love & support.

My Godmother, Mary Harley is now the soul survivor.  All of my Godparents have passed except for her.  She relocated back to her hometown to take care of her Mom, when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Although she left Brooklyn, when I can I try & visit her.  Leaving the hussle & bussle of NY to the quiet suburban town of Lillington instills a much needed peace & tranquil vacation.  Now as an adult, I try & spoil her and put a smile on her face when I see her.

Last month was International Women's History Month.  The type of contributions that women in society have made at home, on the job & in their communities are so numerous.  Untold stories throughout history and present.  

My Godmother's love helped me to be a stronger person while facing adversity.  I'm sure there are women or just one woman that has impacted your life in such a way that our mere words don't suffice in the type of gratitude we have for them.  I have no problem highlighting them, in March, April, May - it doesn't matter the month.  Families are the backbone of any community.  Our broken families need mending, our women need healing and strength to continue to wear the many hats that we wear & still manage to look good.

I pay tribute to Mary Harley today.  In May you get to see a shot of the woman who bore 7 children for my Dad, I being the last.  Just about each month the U.S. has something going on, some kind of recognition; some sort of holiday.

As Easter weekend approaches, make those calls, contact those women that play a special role in your life.  Let them know you care.  Mary Harley - Thank you for caring for me :)