Be Strong, We Need U

Written by: TROUBLsome

As men, we sometimes take women for granted. So in celebration of Women’s History Month, I want to share my thoughts on a woman that I looked up to growing up; a who’s woman superceded every expectation that I had in the world; a women “Sweeter than cotton candy, stronger than grandpa’s brandy.”

At the age of 35, this beautiful woman experienced heart failure and at had to undergo reconstructive surgery. And as she prepared to go under the knife, only one concern plagued her mind—her kids. Before the anesthesia rendered her unconscious, she made sure to tell her children not to worry. And she promised that when she got home she would make them a big pot of gumbo, fried chicken, or whatever they wanted to eat.

You see, she could “throw down” in the kitchen. Kids and adults in her neighborhood would stop by at all times of the day and there was always something hot on the stove. More importantly she always wanted people to eat. And don’t you dare bring over some Mc Donald’s or Taco Bell. She would take offense. “My food ain’t good enough for you?” she’d ask.

Not only was she a mother to three boys, including one who was taken away from her by street violence, she was also a mother to her community, church, and kids’ school. Though her responsibilities loomed heavily, she never once complained. If you ever had a problem, needed advice, wanted to talk, or even a bite to eat, she was there.

So as they wheeled her into surgery, her family’s only concern was if she would make it! They told her, “Be strong” and “we need you”—words that would stick in her mind for years to come. The surgery was successful, and of course it took some time for her to get her swagger back, but she got it and was soon back to her old ways.

She continued to be a great mother, and a positive figure in her church, community and to those in need.

18 years after her surgery, she started to experience complications. Once again, she was being pushed into the operating room, but this time was a little different. She was a little weaker, and didn’t utter any words to her family as she began her journey into the operating room.

Still, her family said the same words to her as always, “be strong” and “we need you”…

Again, the surgery was a success, except for a few minor complications. The pain started to get worst and little did we know, she was tired and didn’t want to hold on any longer. But our selfishness made us insist, “be strong, we need you.”For the first time, her husband told her, “honey if you can’t take it anymore, just let go” and that he would understand. He realized the selfishness of the entire family wanting her to stay. She opened her eyes in a sigh of relief, as if she had been holding her breath for 18 years.

After 53 years, she was put to rest and will forever be missed, loved, and admired for her hard work, beautiful spirit, and will to survive. The woman I’m talking about is my hero, my best friend, and my strength. Everything I have accomplished and I will accomplish in life, I credited to her. This wonderful woman is my mother.

Tags: Family, Women | Mar 6, 2008 |

9 Comments, Comment or Ping

"a mom"

I’m sorry about your Mom. She was much to young. I can tell by your post she was a wonderful human being. But thanks to you and your family she is alive in your spirits. Reading your post I felt her journey and I can identify with you because I lost my Mom and Dad, who were much to young. If hope that all of us can appreciate having our parents. Those whose parents are still around take a look and focus on all the good things about them that make you what you are today. Also focuse on the bad things that make you want to be better. You will never know what it is to loose your parents until they are gone. So give them what you can now.
RIP

[Reply]
Malia

I’m sorry for your loss and your pain TROUBLsome - I can’t imagine life without my mother and you have taught me to cherish our relationship and honor here while she is here…… and I do. GOD BLESS YOU…..

Your Mother is always with you.
She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the
street, she’s the smell of certain foods you remember,
flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she’s
the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well,
she’s your breath in the air on a cold winter’s day.
She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep,
the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter.

And she’s crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows
every emotion …happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy,
love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow…
and all the while, hoping and praying you will only
know the good feelings in life.

She’s the place you came from, your first home,
and she’s the map you follow with every step you take.
She’s your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy,
but nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, not space…not even death!

[Reply]
Cypher

Your mother is the kind of woman that we all need to look up to, she is an example of what is good with the world. Congrats on being here son I’m sure the pleasure was all yours.

[Reply]
The Heart of the city

This is official right now in 4 minutes or less
We going to crown all of them right now
My momma your momma
Baby’s mommas mommas mommas
Wife
If you near a woman right now wherever you’re at just turn to em and say you are appreciated

I appreciate your smile (thank you)
I know how much it take to carry and birth a child (thank you)
And the way you play dumb even when we living real foul ( ooo thank ya)
And even as a single parent momma you still hold it down some how (thank you momma) making ends meet somehow (thank you momma)
I appreciate your strength (thank you)
How you never bite your lip to say what’s on your mind (thank you)
How you a lady in the streets and a freak when it’s bedroom time (thank you)
How you gon’ ride with me roll with me and tell me what’s yours is mine
Fellas, If you aint got one better search the world to find

Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman
Beautiful Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman

I appreciate your glow (Thank you)
And when you get angry with us the way that you let us know (thank you)
And i think it’s so cute when you get so emotional (thank you)
You know till you prove your point you just can’t let it go (ha ha)
But i like that though
I appreciate so much (thank you girl)
Like the I love you feeling girl when we touch (thank you girl)
Like there’s no you, no me, if there’s no us (thank ya)
And if she ever hears an urgency she’ll come in a rush (thank you)
To the rescue, man you better find you a

Woman woman woman (Get you one man)
Strong Woman woman woman (Ain’t nothing like making love)
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman
Beautiful Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman (when i get weak i need a strong woman)
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman

She’s gotta be street smart and educated
Gotta good head on her shoulders
A sexy swagger with sex appeal
A grown woman hook up them home cook meals
A grown woman who’s confident
Better recognize one where the grown ones sit
And a grown woman knows how to tell you no
A grown woman knows when to let you go
You can have a big ol car and big ol house but next to God nothing else amounts to her

Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman
Beautiful Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman

Aint nothing like a
Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman
Beautiful Woman woman woman
Strong Woman woman woman
Grown Woman woman woman
Special Woman woman woman

-Raheem DeVaughn

[Reply]
Malia

Wow!!!!! *standing ovation*

I’m clapping my hands, stomping my feet and lighting a match on that one!!!!! Raheem you did the damn thang and I ain’t mad atcha!!!!!!! I applaud your piece but I truly applaud the efforts of everyone who walks the walk and not just talks the talk. It’s hard dealin with yall knuckle heads. We try to love even when yall don’t want us to and even when yall don’t give us a good reason to and especially when yall don’t even deserve our love!!!! Don’t get it twisted…..we love yall anyway!!!!!!

PEACE AND BLESSINGS ALWAYS -

Malia

[Reply]
LoverOfPeace

This was a very heartwarming dedication to your mom Troublsome, I can feel the love that you have for her, and I’m sure she is smiling down from heaven. Malia and Raheem, very beautiful poems!!!!!! God bless mothers everywhere. I’m going to forward this to my mom right now….

[Reply]
Felicia

She sounds like a wonderful woman. I must add on to this post and say we can learn much from my mother as well, she’s my hero. She is a dynamic and strong lady. She has survived many hardships in her life, including burying a husband and two children. Nevertheless, she is a lady that just keeps on giving. More than once we have said that her secret to longevity is her endless giving and helping others. What she lacks in monetary funds she makes up in her caring for others. Sounds like your mother and my mother were alot alike.

[Reply]
Carmelita

am a single mom and I want to know how come men think that they can get away with having babies and then they don’t wan’t to live up to the resonsiblitlity. I am dedcated to taking care of my kids all by my self and I can’t stand it when another women who is a mom her self tells the man that he is not your baby daddy. As if she were there when you were making out. I fill for the women who are like me and they won’t to keep doing what ever it takes to bring their childern up in church and keep a roof over their head. I even went back to school to make it in the world I had my first child at the age of 17 and i was a single parent but I thank God that he brought me this far. we had our ups and downs . But no man can tell me anything about my babies and I fell that if I can pull through the bad times with my kids oh by the way I have four two boys and two girls ages from 3-15 years of age. I need help but I don’t complain. I just wake up ever morning and say a prayer for the world and my childern. I can write a movie about my life and it would be one of the best movies that lifetime has to offer. It would be called ” A Mothers Dedication ” . Don’t that have a ring to it and know one can tell me that God isn’t real because he is and I am a living witiness. I just thank him for being there for us when we had know one else. I could write on and on but I am not . till the next time.

[Reply]
"a mom"

Carnelita you sound like a wonderful mom. Keep up the good work! Remember There are a lot of good daddy’s out their to, so keep your eyes on the Lord and your heart open.

[Reply]

TROUBL

Be Strong, We Need U

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