MAKING MEMORIES

Memories will last through eternity and become the gateway to immortality through the mist of time. In the fog, one must be intentional about making memories that can provide continuity in their family’s history. My ancestors left me a treasure trove of memories steeped in oral history passed down from one generation to the next. Some of those memories were of the dark periods of enslavement, emancipation, reconstruction, and Jane and Jim Crow. While many were painful, they were testimonials to their resiliency. Yes, I am still sharing the oral history passed down through the generations, but now I feel that it is time for me to gather some of my own family’s history to pass on to future generations.

The years 2020 and 2021 have been game changers when it comes to how we operate in the world. The cosmic shift was created by the worldwide invasion of the COVID-19 virus. The pandemic forced municipalities worldwide to quarantine, which separated people from their beloved. Many also experienced the death and hospitalization of their loved ones. It also disrupted family relations, education, employment, and travel plans. Health care professionals and other auxiliary service providers became national sheroes/heroes. I cannot forget that a “mask” became a therapeutic fashion statement.

I took the opportunity to look at some time I spent with my family during these last two years that I wish to memorialize. When I conceptualized the title of this blog, I had planned to only share family events during 2021. However, I thought of another trip in 2009 that I took with my son Theophilus’ (Ted’s) family. My grandson Tré was in the fourth grade and needed an incentive to take learning seriously. I promised him that I would take the family to the Bahamas if he made the honor roll for two marking periods. He met the challenge, and we spent a week in Freeport, Bahamas. Gail Pendleton, a family friend, accompanied us on the trip. She shared her swimming skills and love for the activity in the resort’s pool and the ocean with Tré. In addition to having fun, this trip also jump-started my grandson’s passion for learning. He is now a senior at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

2020 and 2021 were indeed very challenging and dark periods around the world. But many

of us believe that the darkness cannot overcome the light. One light that shined brightly in

my family was the birth of Amelia Simone Rodgers, my first great-grandchild. The family gathered for her first birthday at her home in Alexandria, Virginia, on the campus of Episcopal High School. Her father, Kadeem, works as the Assistant Athletic Director and head football coach at the school. The blended family gathered from near and far to celebrate our bright star. She made good use of her willing admirers to help her practice her walking skills. They came from the gateway to the Berkshires in Northeast New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Amelia’s family, is very diverse and filled with rich cultures and ideals. The rich tapestry of this village should help her develop a healthy view of the world.

I was blessed to be the mother of two children. We have established a tradition to celebrate

Thanksgiving with my daughter, Wendy, and Christmas with my son, Ted. Wendy and her family gathered three days for the Thanksgiving Celebration in a large Airbnb in Lakeville, Connecticut. The house was located in a wooded area on a hill. While it had all of the modern amenities, there was not one television in the place. Kadeem, Rachel’s husband, had to adjust to seeing the football games on his iPad. My daughter, Wendy, and her daughter, Rachel, prepared scrumptious traditional and vegan meals. This was Amelia’s first Thanksgiving celebration, and she enjoyed being the shining star that she is. She had finally gained her balance and enjoyed walking for the sheer joy of being able to navigate the length and breadth of the space designed for her safety. Stella, the family dog, kept one step ahead of Amelia because she’s still learning how to play with Stella without roughing

her up. Imagine your one-year-old self seeing a family of deer grazing on the lawn in the early morning mist for the first time? Amelia was in awe and delighted. This was another occasion when the four generations of Shepherd, Moody, Schroeder, Rodgers women celebrated together. Yes, I can imagine Amelia being the matriarch of her family someday.

2021 ended with another occasion that I wish to add to our family memories. Ted and his wife, Cynthia, live in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania: a suburban community near Harrisburg, the state’s capital. He decided the celebration would begin with him driving up to my home in the Bronx, staying overnight, and taking me back home with him. This year was different from other years because of the pandemic. In the past, they held open houses, and we visited other friends during the holiday. Both Cynthia and Ted worked and took care of other business matters outside of their home; nonetheless, their home was not open to visitors. During the holiday, the household consisted of five adults and two dogs. Tré was home from the university, and Cynthia’s sister, Monique, who lives in Maryland, brought her dog. Jazz is an energetic puppy to the consternation of Rex, my grand-dog, a senior of 10 years. Observing their behavior and the care they required reminded me of why I do not have a pet.

Their home was decorated inside and outside to the delight of both myself and the neighbors. I particularly enjoyed the collection of Black Santa Clauses. Cyndi inherited her mother’s collection, continuing to add to it. The sisters began preparing the family’s Christmas feast on Christmas Eve. The food preparation permeated the house with the smell of Christmas - it reminded me of my childhood. We all received gifts that would not be part of the infamous lines of returning unwanted Christmas gifts.

These are only four celebrations with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. I hope this blog will help the readers reflect on some of their families’ joyful memories.