trevajeanice

Real girl talk inspired the following story:

“Sherry” knew the relationship was moving in the right direction when “Dwayne” invited her and her daughter to Thanksgiving dinner with his family.  In preparation of meeting Dwayne’s Mom, siblings and cousins; Sherry meticulously groomed her nails, hair and choosing the right outfit for the special occasion.  Sherry knew all about Dwayne’s previous romantic relationship with “Shelia” who was a staple within his family household for quite some time. 

Upon arrival at the family home, Dwayne’s daughter beamed towards her dad’s lady friend.  The adult daughter took Sherry by the hand and led her to the middle of the living room floor.  Wanting to be the one to make the introductions, Dwayne’s daughter announced for all to hear; “I’d like to introduce you all to Shelia and her daughter.”  The room fell into a deafening silence.  The mistake was made and the giant elephant had entered the building and not one person would acknowledge the faux pas. 

Sherry pretended as if she was just not called another woman’s name.  She proceeded to take a seat on the sofa next to Dwayne. During the course of the holiday celebration, people continued to address her as Sheila.  Sherry pulled her cell phone from her handbag and furiously typed a text message.  Immediately after firing off the text, Dwayne stood up from the sofa and made his own announcement.

“My lady friend Sherry as said if one more person calls her Sheila; she is going to cut someone!”

Not one person ever made the same mistake again!

It is the day before Thanksgiving and I am pausing to reflect on the 2011 year.

It has been a year of revelations, recuperations, and the best of all, blessings.

I am thankful for witnessing my son’s graduation from high school and entry into college.

I am thankful for having the opportunity of watching my beautiful daughter mature.

I am thankful for the ability to comfortably communicate with my children and deal with life dilemmas.

I am thankful as I watch a family expand as we celebrate the 2nd birthday of my niece.

In today’s economy, I am thankful to be able to return to the workforce for a Company with an open door policy.

Most importantly, I thank God for providing me with courage, faith, and perseverance to continue the legacy put in place by my parents.   Nick and Nadine are not with me physically but will forever remain figures in my mind, soul and heart.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and remember to be thankful for the small things.

XOXOX

Treva Jeanice

It is time to move forward.  I received the diagnosis, decided between options, had the surgery, completed the treatments (yeah, me!) and now…

What to do, what to do.

I am four months cancer free and don’t know what to do with myself. 

Going forward, I…

Pledge to keep all doctor appointments.

Pledge to eat healthy.

Exercise four times a week, for at least 30 minutes each time.

Try to get plenty of rest because I am always tired.

Talk aloud to other survivors.

Take advantage of known available resources.  Have you heard of Gilda’s Club?  The Sister’s Network?  The YMCA LiveStrong Excerise Program?  Tennis for Life?

And make everyone aware of breast cancer by participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk taking place October 16th in the new Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.

To join my team (M.A.D.) or make a donation, go to www.cancer.org/makingstrides.

– 2005

Afraid of you and afraid for me.

What will people think?

I can’t allow my fantasy to become real.

Will anyone understand?

Can I face the image in the mirror?

There is no certainty in what we do.

No promise, no reproach.

A meeting of the minds.

The mind stimulates the sense of touch and the need for expression intensifies.

I step out of my shell and come alive.

You retreat.

Another missed opportunity.

The door is sealed.

The blood has ceased to flow.

Anger cripples the conversation.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

I know.

This is the finale.

Take a bow.

A curtsey.

The last dance has come.

The performance is cut short.

I say a prayer for you and me as we travel separate roads to love.