“Mothers hold their child’s hand for a moment and their heart for a lifetime.
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I am sure you have heard the phrase – When it rains, it pours. Our family did not know it, but we were in for a torrential downpour. In a matter of eight years, we had lost two brothers. The fact that their deaths were not from natural causes, but rather tragic killings made the pain even worse.
Shortly after our brothers death, my sister, Bobbie, experienced her own type of personal tragedy. In the early
1970s, things changed drastically for Bobbie and her family. The landlord whom they rented from evicted them. All Bobbie can remember is that the landlord needed the room and they were forced to leave. Unfortunately, they were unable to find a stable place to live. With six small children, living on the streets was not an appropriate option. As a result, the State removed the children and placed them in our mother’s care. If the State had not been involved, having our mother help raise Bobbie’s children would not have been any special circumstance.
For years, in black families, grandmothers have stepped in to take care of their grandchildren when needed. Whether it was an unexpected pregnancy, a job opportunity, or financial hardship, many black grandmothers have helped raise their grandchildren or become their primary caregiver.
Unfortunately, this was a special circumstance. The State was involved and had set rules regarding the care of the children. For Bobbie, it would become a life-altering event… Read More about… “My Sister,
My Friend” By: Rhodessia Strong
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My Sister My Friend 