While your mind and wit were as sharp as ever, your body was not.
We were headed down a flight of stairs, and you needed my help.
I held your arm, you held the railing, and slowly, we descended.
It took a long time.
It was hard on you.
When we got to the bottom of the stairs, you began to cry.
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It caught me off guard, because you never cry.
Yet that day, at the bottom of the stairs, you did.
In the years since, more of you has slipped away.
Most days you sit on the couch, looking at magazines you could no longer read.
What did you have for breakfast?
I asked the other day.
Ostrich, you answered.
But heres the thing.
I view this version of you like a cloud in the sky.
It floats past me, ephemeral and impermanent.
This version will not occupy space in my memory.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
Youve shown me that pretty girls can be smart and smart girls can be pretty.
Youve shown me that pretty girls can be smart and smart girls can be pretty.
You were woke before it became a movement.
Your academic career was all about helping people understand systemic racism way before it became cool.
You were unapologetic about it and full of fire.
You used to say you were a migrant from the ghetto to the highest levels of society.
Underneath the head wrap is your natural hair.
You never straightened it, and much to my dismay, you wouldnt let me straighten mine either.
Last month, you slipped away for good.
You took your last breath in my arms.
What remains is this picture, and the countless other memories ofthatwoman.
She will rise with me each day like the sun, my warmth, my eternal light.
Looking for more Strong As Her?
Check out these letters from chronic illness advocateNitika Chopraand writerKayla Hui.
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