A good friend and I discussed the concept of a “Blog.” She said the idea didn’t meld well with her sensibilities because she associates blogs with diary entries, and she believes diary entries should be kept private. I totally agree with her. My hope is that everything posted on Thankful For a Million will be, in some way, helpful to whoever reads it. Each post should serve us instead of just me. This particular entry is about my Grandmother, Bakka. It might seem personal at first, but it will come full circle to, hopefully, be relevant to us.

Today I am thankful for four things: my Grandmother, my family, my friends and my health. Of course I’m thankful for them everyday but this feeling is especially intense right now.

Bakka passed yesterday morning at the wonderful age of 91. I knew exactly what to expect when I heard the phone ring at 6AM. It’s strange, no one calls with good news at 6AM, it’s only the bad news that can’t wait.

My heart broke yesterday morning. This woman served as more than a grandmother to me; she traded off as a parent, advisor, cheerleader and friend. Even though I was upset, I couldn’t help but feel relieved. I’m not sure if that’s taboo to say or not. For the past 9 months she’d been in a fierce battle with Cancer. Over the last three weeks things had gotten especially bad. For those who know her, they know that she was an extremely independent woman. Exactly one month before she’d gotten sick, she took a trip to NYC ALONE! She spent a couple of days shopping, eating and wandering the city. Pretty freaking awesome in you ask me! So for Grandma, getting to a point where she was entirely dependent on others was probably a nightmare. Now at least her soul is resting peacefully.

This summer I spent 3 weeks in DC visiting her. For those three weeks I went over to my Grandma’s every morning and stayed the day. We kept each other company, went for walks, spoke about our family history, and spent time at the resident turtle pond. She didn’t have the energy to leave her nursing home a lot, but we were able to make a Strawberry Daquiri run. One blazing hot day, as we sat by the turtle pond, I remember asking, “Grandma, how about we go and get strawberry daquiris tomorrow?” she replied, “Yes, that sounds really good!” When I left that day she said, “Daquiris tomorrow?” The next morning when I arrived she said, “Are we going to get daquiris now?”There was no way she would forget about a daquiri trip. That afternoon she, my cousin and I went to get drinks.  I’m sure the nursing home wouldn’t have approved, but that’s why we didn’t ask!

I’m thankful that  I had the opportunity to hear stories about my grandmother’s past, get every ounce of advice possible and that, for the last 5 years, I talked to my grandmother on the phone virtually everyday, until she was unable.

Grandma was quite an inspiration to me, because even being a Black woman growing up in the most difficult part of the 20th century, she managed to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Anytime I think that something is close to impossible, I remind myself of this fact.  She has and will always be a role model for me.

Why I’m extra thankful for friends today: Aside from the fact that they sent condolences via text, email, Facebook, twitter, phone and carrier pigeon, they also contributed to my grandmother’s 90th birthday present. The entire Turner/Richardson clan asked friends if they would be willing to send her a birthday card. Our goal was that she get 90 cards on her 90th, and guess what, she got over 90! Thank you to those who contributed and/or thought about contributing!

Why I’m extra thankful for family today: My entire family came together to support my Grandmother in her fight and to support each other as we stood by her side. Our family may be small, but I’m thankful that we are strong.

So how does this effect us? I have some advice and I’ll try my best not to get preachy. Check in on those you love. Take the time to listen to people and their stories (Sadly, I didn’t start doing this until I was older). Time is short and there is value in everyone’s story both in their telling and receiving. Celebrate with those you love while they’re alive. And finally, the best piece of advice my Grandmother ever gave me…

“Be Cool.”

Love you, Grandma Bakka.

~Thankful

 I don’t usually do more than one post a day, however, today is an exception. Yesterday saw the passing of Wangari Maathai, 71. In case you weren’t aware, Maathai was the first ever African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded the Green Belt Movement which focused on sustainable development in poor regions of Kenya. More specifically GBM paid poor women to plant trees in their villages, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and women’s rights.

What I find equally interesting is what Maathai did to celebrate after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She planted a tree.  Now we might not all  get to be Nobel Peace Prize winners or even create a massive political and environmental movement, but there is one thing we can take away from this, her willingness to give back.

So whatever it is that we accomplish, it will always be important to give back. Could there be a better way to celebrate?

If you’re interested in learning more about Wangari Maathaie, check out the doc Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai.

I am thankful for Maathai’s contributions to society and anyone willing to group the needs of the many with their own.

~Thankful

Morning!  Last night I received a really lovely message from a reader! I wanted to share it with you all-

“What an incredible website! I am grateful for people like you, who are constant reminders that we can make a choice everyday to be happy. I certainly choose to be happy but not without the help of community and the support of people around me to serve as a reminder that this choice is always available!” -Skylor 9/25/2011

Skylor, I was really touched by your message! Thank you. You provided a wonderful start to my week! Skylor is doing some pretty amazing things right now and hopefully we will be able to hear more about them in the future…

The one thing I do love about Mondays is that they provide a fresh slate. It doesn’t matter what small thing happened last week, on Monday you can start over. So whether it’s, in my case, interviewing for a job I didn’t want, or in other cases, having a disagreement with someone or even something as small as waking up on the wrong side of the bed; Monday promises endless opportunities for the week ahead.

I hope everyone has a good day!

~ Thankful

Afternoon! Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. I woke up early and got a great workout in, so I’m very happy. The other thing that makes me happy is that Thankful For a Million now has a twitter: Thankful_FAM. A number of my friends on twitter post positive, exiting things, quotes etc. If you ever feel inclined to share exciting news, an inspiring quote or anything about something that moves you, tag @Thankful_FAM in your post, and it will appear on the blog! I’m look forward to this being an easier, faster way to include contributions. Who knows, maybe one day we will have one million thankful tweets!

There are some cool things happening today;

Charlie’s Brownie is holding an open house at Charlie Fyffe’s very first store front! If you’re in the area, stop by and check it out. I stopped in yesterday and had an amazing pecan caramel brownie. I will definitely be back! It’s too bad that I didn’t get to take any good pictures, but I will next time! Details about the opening are below:

Charlie’s Brownie Open House

When:  Sunday September 25, 2011 2-5pm

Where: Lucy Florence

5671 W. Pico Blvd

In other news, a friend and former classmate of mine, Chris Hodgson, will be competing in the finale of The Great Food Truck Race on The Food Network tonight at 9pm ET/ 6pm Pacific. Check it out!

And finally, the Browns won today! Can’t complain about that!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Sunday! Remember to follow @Thankful_FAM and include in your positive posts.

~Thankful

B