My grandmother, my granny, Natalie Eloise (Thomas) Freemon left this planet on Friday, March 31, 2017. She was born on a hot August day in 1928 in Foreman, Arkansas to Mable and John Thomas. Her father, mother, husband, son and grandson would precede her in death.

I stare at the degrees on my wall.

And think about how she couldn't achieve what was rightfully hers. I mean, her maternal uncles both graduated from Howard U and were attorneys.

B.A. University of Missouri

She moved to the KC area, 17 years old, fresh out of high school, and ready to conquer the world. Madame C.J. Walker's student. A hustler....homie. Regretting that she couldn't go to college to become the teacher she wanted to be. Resenting the full academic scholarship she received because she couldn't afford the books. But she knew she had to make it...

...and nevertheless, she persisted.

She met a man, let's call him "Ed." With Ed she bore 6 children. One went on to create me. Most went on to earn that bachelor's degree. You see, education wasn't a luxury, but a right. No, a necessity. As essential as the air we breathe. Nat and Ed, made sure they agreed...then came me.

M.A., Roosevelt University

I was encouraged, empow'red to be the best me I could be. For she'd accept no less. No, she would, but she wouldn't be too pleased. She helped raise me. She taught me my worth. Helped her daughter, our mom, with the expenses to raise us. Dropped $900 like it was nothing so I could wear pearls. Assisted with Catholic tuition when God knows we were A.M.E..

Ph.D Unwritten...

She'll never get the chance to see me published. To see her dreams realized. But I'll keep fighting...keep working in her name. Natalie Eloise. I owe it all.

xoxo,

your spirit, your soul, Kay