I started this blog to unpack generational ties— to tell stories of those who came before me. Yet my initial presentation of “Victorious”, left Nelisa behind when in actuality, my grandmother built a life sprinkling her gifts onto everyone around her to make them better, and that likeness is my favorite part about myself. As a child I spent every summer with her and watched as, time and time again, she opened her home to members of our family who needed a fresh start or a safe place to land. I think about the countless life lessons she bestowed upon us all: do things thoroughly and with excellence, use humor to build relationships founded on tough truths, sprinkle love in the details, rely on faith in tough times, accept and love your people for who they are. The list goes on. The ways in which she “fed” our family and her little island over the years, one way or another, continues to make my heart smile.
I saw these very same qualities in Delly, too. I cherish childhood memories of him taking me along to give to a local family who had lost everything in a fire or simply fallen on hard times. He often bought home dinner guests, people he had come across usually by virtue of giving them a job. Sometimes it was an old friend he ran into. It drove my mother crazy: now having to stretch a dinner for four to include our unplanned guest. But to him, it was the least he could do. He was a proud Girl Scout dad who worked our annual car wash and cookie distribution faithfully. And I’ve seen him give his last dollar to many. He had such an impact on others’ lives that his funeral was standing room only. Some folks were even turned away. Sheesh.
All in all, there’s no great epiphany here, just a little homage to two of the folks who showed me how to love through service to others. I remember each of them similarly, busy at work while humming or singing a happy song. I’m thankful everyday for the gift of their victorious hearts. Now, go on and reread “Victorious” with new eyes.
Nelisa's Granddaughter 