THRIVING Melanin Family Magazine May 2017: A Mother's Love | Page 24

HONORING
Ms. Lolanda Winstead Green
As a child growing up, one has the sense that mommy
and daddy will be there and take care of everything.
I guess when you’re young you’re naive about those
grown up things. I was a very conscious child. I
recognized adult things and could quantify its scope.
I knew that my mother did it basically alone. Sure, we
had extended family that fled the role of surrogates.
My mother was always hustling and bustling to make
sure her children were alright. It was 5 of us at first
and then a 6th and 7th.
My mother made many sacrifices during my childhood.
I watched for years how she went without JUST so we
could have. She never complained or was bitter. Her
love and devotion was complete and all consuming.
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I’m so thankful that I was able to witness her strength
and dedication through various stages of my life and
my siblings. There were many times when I thought
that she would be broken by life’s circumstances and
even periodic incarceration of her children. She relied
on God and made it through. Out of 100 times, I may
have seen her cry 5 times...not bad at all.
Tears of frustration BUT NOT DEFEAT. I TIP MY
HAT TO MY MOTHER LOLANDA WINSTEAD GREEN
FOR PUTTING THE SUPER IN SUPER. NO, SHE
DIDN’T HAVE ON TIGHTS AND A CAPE, SHE
HAD A STRONG BACKBONE AND UNWAVERING
FAITH THAT THINGS WOULD GET BETTER AND
THEY DID.
THRIVE MAGAZINE