"It's not what's on the table that matters,
it's who's in the chairs."
Source: Pinterest
I often share pictures of food, drinks, and table settings. I know what is most important. It is the family and friends who are gathered around a table for a meal.
"We are a peaceful nation.
But if we remain silent today,
we will be gone tomorrow."
President of Ukraine, Volodymr Zelensky
"Sequined is something covered with small shining spangles." Source: Wiktionary
Sequin is positioned close to the cash register at a restaurant here in Washington, D.C. Sequin's presence brings more a of smile than protection. In addition, if you have a pet like Sequin you never had to worry about pet food, veterinarian bills, or housebreaking. Of course you miss all the emotional benefits of having a pet in your home.
This week, we celebrate the birthdays of our children. Born a little over two years apart, we love celebrating their birthdays. On Tuesday, we celebrated one birthday. Tomorrow we celebrate another one. As parents, we often did special celebrations. I remember taking cupcakes to classrooms, birthday parties at home, girls ice skating in Nashville, boys on the go- cart track in Franklin , sleepovers, and lots of special menus.
Today our celebrations center on being together. I hope the echoes of how we spoke to them as children speak to them today. I trust the words we offered inform and anchor them today. As accomplished adults, I trust they rest in the fact of God's unconditional love and the love of their parents.
"The way we speak to our child matter, for those words travel
beyond their ears,
settling into the creases
of their hearts
and crevices
of their self-worth."
Source: Words from an Instagram post
How do you celebrate birthdays? What about your children and grandchildren? What about your friends? This year, I have several friends and family members who will celebrate milestone birthdays. I need suggestions. Are you willing to share?
The late John Lewis said this... 'Tell the whole story. It should be told without apology or anger." I think when we share the truth of our country's history, we share the truth of our painful past, our country's progress, and the hope for the future.
Today, we spent hours touring the National African American Museum History and Culture. So much information ... As descendants of slaves... I cannot help but think of my family that were enslaved and sold for profit. Yet, I think of how they must have dreamed of a better future for their children. We are the reality of their dreams.
Here is one of the quotes from one of the exhibits.
" In the domestic slave trade, the brutality that connected people and profit was clearly on display. Dealers were meticulous in their assessment of the values of enslaved people. During slave sales, enslaved people were forced to deliver a good showing to bring in the most profit; a glum display sometimes brought a whipping. Pleadings for loved ones was not tolerated Slave dealers believed such behavior made for a poor behavior which cost time and money."
Below is a picture of the currency from Omaha that was issued for domestic slave trade currency. The currency of many cities was on display.
Over forty years ago, I was in Ball Memorial Hospital having just delivered my daughter. Looking back on those first twenty-four hours, it was an exquisite experience. Every part of her little body was perfect. Her sweet face was framed by dark hair. Holding her tiny body made me smile.
In the nursery, she turned her little face around and let out a cry that make other babies join in the crying. Today, she is more likely to make people smile rather than cry.
What has changed over the years? Everything and nothing. Every part of my daughter make be smile. Her curly hair, her smooth caramel skin, her smile, her keen intellect, her compassion, her sense of humor, her love for her husband, daughter, and friends... and so much more.
Happy Birthday to my favorite daughter. 🎂🎈
