It’s a wrap on 2019

I had a fantastic year living with Aunt JaChelle. At first, it was an adjustment. I missed mama and my room. But after a few weeks, and mama sending me some of my favorite things, I felt comfortable at Aunt JaChelle’s. 

Over the summer, we planted a garden that included aloe, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, cucumbers, kale, and a few succulents. Aunt JaChelle said I would go home after we harvested our garden, but that didn’t happen. Instead of going back to Chicago, Aunt JaChelle took me to New York City for the Sulwe book signing. It was really fun! 

I stayed with Aunt JaChelle through the fall. On Veteran’s Day, I was feeling sad because my dad died when I was a baby and Veteran’s Day reminds me of him. This year, Auntie J tried to make the holiday extra special because she could tell I really missed daddy. I called mama because I missed her, too. But mama didn’t answer. I think she was also feeling sad. At the end of the week, Aunt JaChelle took me to a community workshop led by poet and writer Sonia Sanchez. It was powerful, and we returned home with a different energy.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Aunt JaChelle’s and made enough food for two days. Mama and I spent hours video calling before she finally came to have dinner with us. It was so good to see mama for Thanksgiving, and I was really hoping Santa would connect us again for Christmas. I had a plan to make it extra special.

Before I knew it, it was Christmas Eve, and I was nervous again because mama had not arrived. But Santa must have heard my prayers, because when I woke up on Christmas morning, mama was sleeping on the couch. I screamed so loud, ran to her, and hugged her so tight. It was the best Christmas ever. I know, I’m only three. But I couldn’t have asked for a better gift this year.

After Christmas, mama and I went back to Chicago together. I was glad to be home, but noticed a lot of boxes laying around. 

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