Memorable Moments

I have so many cherished memories about my growing up years, later great memories with my own immediate family. Right now I am banking great memories with my daughter LiRon’s family (husband Glen, son Asa and daughter Bradleigh).  They are truly the best – “adding years to my life and life to my years!!! I also have memorable moments with my extended Borden family, which I will now share.

I loved visiting my Philadelphia family. Aunt Celeste and Uncle Sutton were my “fun” relatives. I remember them taking me to Atlantic City where a relative of theirs marched in a seemingly endless parade with the Eastern Star ladies and the Elks. They were all dressed in white and strutting their stuff in tune with a huge marching band. I was transfixed at the sight of all those black men and women marching proudly while the audience cheered them. It was such a beautiful sight to behold.

On one of my Philly visits I met a girl from the neighborhood who taught me how to do a dance I had never seen before called the “slop” (and I can still do it with some modification). That’s when I learned that the slickest dances came to Philly first before migrating to the Big Apple. I also got to learn and play crochet with cousin Billy and his friends Buddy and Stormy.

My first (and only) roller coaster ride was with my Uncle William Sutton Borden. The family had gone to an amusement park outside of Philly (Wildwood?) during my 2-week’s summer stay when I was about 11/12. This was the summer when cousin Susan was in the hospital recuperating from a serious burn injury. I didn’t want my favorite uncle to know I was afraid so I didn’t scream. We did the ride twice (phew)!

I fondly remember Aunt Celeste patiently teaching me how to make raisin sandwich cookies. Aunt Celeste became my favorite relative because she would buy the good one and two cents candies and eat them with us, all the while my parents were cautioning me against eating candy to preserve my teeth. Were we partners in crime? Should I blame Aunt Celeste for my chronic dental issues?? (Of course not). I am happy to report that as I matured, Aunt Celeste remained my favorite aunt for other reasons, mainly for her generosity, her non-judgmental attitude, her love for fashion, her love for all family and her friendly wit. Yes – I told her all of that. She certainly manifested all of the ingredients that made her a great “Queen Mother” in the ancient African tradition. I was overjoyed when I learned that the “Bells”  (LiRon, et al) had purchased a home just one mile away from Aunt Celeste!

And of course Susan and I are great pals. We are supporting each other with our intentions to stay healthy, to stay balanced and to enjoy all of life’s continuing Blessings. Susan prays harder than I do so I feel especially Blessed. Amen!