Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Rosa Lee Ingram (1938-2009)

Ironic is that today marks my 700th post, however I am not writing about what I may have wanted to. In 2008 I lost my Granny Hazel, the woman that taught me that with the use of kindness and a smile, you could chop a person up like Hannibal Lecter. This year, a few days before my Granny Virgie’s Birthday, I lost her; the woman who gave me the backbone to know and not think I was great and should only lead as opposed to follow or be successful. This Morning, at 243 am central time, I lost my aunt Rosa Lee, my granny Virgie eldest daughter and my mom’s big sister, less than a month after my granny’s death; she taught me how to read and the value thereof.

My Granny Virgie the week before thanksgiving and now my aunt Rosa, basically a week before Christmas. Now my mother has on sister left. She lost her brother, my uncle who was the baby in 2004. I remember that day for I found him in his bed. Which means out side of the last two in our family matriarch, I am the eldest man remaining with four other in my generation remaining, with two of us, my cousin and myself having two kids each.

The last time I saw my Aunt it was during my Granny’s funeral in Memphis, I drove her in her Cadillac to the service. She was in good spirits seeing that she had lived with my Granny all of her life and that her sisters including mom had been taking care of her. It was if a burden had been lift to live her life again. I just didn’t know it would be the last time I saw her. She was the first to go to college in my family – Rust in Mississippi where she studied education and became a teacher with a focus on reading education. She was so dedicated that in Memphis, in the late 50’s, she was arrested for using a library that was meant for whites only. In fact I remember seeing that picture of her and her friends from the newspaper in several history books.

My Granny was married when she was 16 and had my Aunt Rosa when she was 17. She was married to my grandfather until the day he died. She used to tell me that they married for peanut butter - meaning that they would be together even if they had to eat just peanut butter. Which is one reason I may not have a wife as of yet because of the standard she imprinted in my mind at a young age. I think that is why she and aunt Rosa Lee were so close, being only 17 years apart, they were more like sisters.

Although she was 71, I never looked at her as being old. But guess she was, I used to hate being a little kid having to go with her to Helen of Memphis where my family bought all of their fur coats or to Nelson Endicott – our family jeweler. I would only remember being the only boy and us the only blacks in those places at that time. When my mother called me this morning I knew she was gone and could not sleep the entire night before her call after she told me the Doctor’s said she had fluid on the lungs and my mom said she had stopped eating. I was supposed to call her that night; my mom felt like my Granny, she would start to eat again if I asked her to do so. I did not make the call and did not get the chance to hear her voice again. Now the Klan is down to eleven in the bloodline.

I just want to tell my aunt, who corrected my speech each time I mad a mistake that love her and want to remind folks of what is really important and that is the love that is evinced between the families. No bond is greater and no gift is equal to that of giving someone special a piece of your heart. I am hurting but I am still blessed for having the family unit that have. I have learned that love is unconditional through them and gifts of such are forever. For they love me and love all that I love. I will take that to my grave because no one can love your for real, if they do not love the things you love and for me that is one thing – my family.

17 comments:

Mizrepresent said...

Lovely tribute T, my condolences to you and your family, and you have a safe trip back home.

Shelly- Mom Files said...

This was very beautifully written and I wish you and your family comfort during this sad time. God bless...

msladyDeborah said...

You wrote a beautiful tribute to your aunt. My condolences to you and your family. May God bless you and your family with all the peace and comfort that you need at this time.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you lost another one. Damn.

Anonymous said...

It's been such a tough year, yet you write just beautifully about loss as you do about love. I will never get tired of coming back here and drawing inspiration from your every post. No one ever really 'dies', we remember them and they are here with us always. I pray you and your family are doing okay and wish you all the best as you cope with the loss of your loved one(s).

Keith said...

I haven't been by in awhile, but first let me congratulate you on 700 posts...I hope I make it there.
I've got a ways to go..You've been in this blogging game a lot longer than I have. My condolences on your losses...I know what it's like to lose relatives..This decade has wiped out almost an entire generation of my family. I wish you and your family peace and comfort in this time of mourning.

Keli said...

My condolences...there's nothing like a strong loving family.

Robyn said...

Beautiful.

May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Holding you and your family in my prayers.

ChocolateOrchid said...

This is beautiful. My prayers are with you and your family for comfort during this time.

Brown English Muffin said...

Thanks for sharing this...and I can't believe you're the eldest man remaining....that has to be an exciting and daunting task...but I know you'll make your family proud.

SjP said...

Beautiful tribute to your Aunt!

Its hard loosing someone you love - no matter what time of year it is. But, it is particularly hard when a loved-one passes on during the holidays. My Dad passed on on Christmas Eve '83, so you know I'm feeling you, T.

Dominique P. Smith said...

My condolences to you and your family. May God bless you & your family always.
Smooches & Blessings.

Bohemian Chick said...

Beautiful post...my condolences to you and your family. Blessings.

*Tanyetta* said...

This is a very beautiful and wonderful tribute.

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