My Jackie Robinson Year
On the eve of my birthday, I got up for my normal morning walk. My aunt (who traveled to Texas to support me through my surgery) joined me for a walk around the neighborhood. She walked several steps behind me during most of the walk. I’d frequently turn back to ensure that she was still there. At some point, she called me back to her position. Imagine my surprise when I found that she’d stumbled across a folded newspaper (in a weather bag) displaying a woman’s smile that looked just like mine.
The Houston Chronicle’s neighborhood edition had run my story on the front cover.
What a shock! I certainly didn’t expect to “trip over” my own face this morning. My friend Tamara said I was “walking into my purpose.” I liked the sound of that!
To my dismay, I wasn’t able to get hard copies of the print. But the story was released electronically earlier this month. Who knew how obsolete newspapers really are?! Probably everybody, except the person that is feverishly trying to find copies of the newspaper where she’s featured on the front page!
Hours later, and I make it to midnight, a long-standing tradition of mine. At last it’s my birthday. I do some quick journaling and then decide to call it a night. I have an early start with pre-admission testing at Houston Methodist in the morning. The dreaded covid test.
I have to be honest. I have taken the same precautions that I always have but I am a little nervous about this test. There are so many asymptotic people testing positive. Any little tickle in my throat, whether it be from allergies, cause suspicion. Hopefully, I’m worrying over nothing as I get closer to the next hurdle. One thing that’s for sure, time will tell. 24 hours after the test, I’ll get the results.
And we mustn’t spend time worrying about things that we can not control, right? If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that. Besides I have a birthday to celebrate!
My motto for this year is to love passionately and to live purposefully. I’ve always tried to do this, but I think I will turn it up a notch this year. I’m living year 42 (my Jackie Robinson year) with intention! In his honor, I will continue to live a courageous life while advocating for the unseen and unheard.
❤️ T
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives ”
