Besides Na'im acting up at the airport, I had the BEST weekend ever. One of my first cousins, Kyle, got married on Saturday. No, I am not on a corny high after seeing the nuptials 'cause rarely do I go to a wedding and wish i was the bride (although I did feel a pang for the first time in years) but because I was surrounded by genuine black love on so many levels.
Firstly, the bride and groom. I am so happy for Kyle and Erica. Not only are we first cousins but he was also my best friend growing up. We lived next door to each other for years until my uncle took the family to America to start a new life. I remember bawling my eyes out at the airport as they went through the gate. My best buddie was leaving but I found peace in knowing that in would see him again. But I didn't see him for years and I accepted that I would probably just have to hold on to the memories that played such a huge part of my childhood. Believe it or not, i found him a couple of years ago on Facebook butbit would be 25 years before we ever laid eyes on each other again!
Thanksgiving 2009 was the best ever as Kyle and his parents spent it in Bermuda. I was stoked. In was just twobweeks away from giving birth to Eemy. Part of me even wished I went into labour early sonthey could meet the newest addition to the family. On November 30 ,2009, Kyle and i talked and I remember asking him: how come such a nice guy like u is still single?
He said: dunno cuz. I think I'm too picky.
Well I swear it may have just been nine months later I get an inbox| cuz I'm getting married next year and i would love if u could make it. I told him I would be there. And I was. Front and centre. At the reception! Te bride and groom toasted each other. They both said beautiful things but what I found most profound was their history...they were together in high school. She ended up marrying someone else. For years. It didnt work out. One day she called my cuz. And the rest is history. Their true love for each other conquered all.
Black love 2: My cousin Kev n his wife Tiff. The most hilarious corny in love still on their honeymoon two and a half years later love. Sooo funny n sweet to watch. Words cannot describe how in tune they are with each other. She loses something. He finds it. He starts a sentence. She finishes it. He steals kisses. She loves hugs. They made my heart sing this weekend. I have such a newfound love n respect for them. Oh did I add she's 24 and he's 27? Maturity has no age.
Black love 3: Four of the five Ks: my five baby cousins (including the one above). The love they have for each other is admirable. Don't get me wrong. They r far from angelic but they are all positive young men. I am thankful that my sons will have them as role models.
Black love 4:A woman who has finally discovered true love n happiness. On the flight home last night, the plane was empty but they had me on the aisle and a lady I'd known for many year was at the window. We talked about her new husband. She was happy. And she was glowing. But one sentence is something that I vowed to carry with me. She said: one day i woke up and decided to walk away from everyone in my life who was not bringing me joy. And she said when she did one day out of the blue, while on vacation, she met HIM, the man who would change her life forever. I really think I needed to hear that. She has inspired me. And I am truly happy for her.
Black love: my uncle his wife his sons and ME: Every time my uncle and i have our one on ones he always says to me: Carla, you are more than my niece, you are my daughter. I can tell him all of my secrets without judgement and he is straight up with me. He pulls no punches. Ever.
Well this weekend we road tripped to the wedding! Shared hotel rooms, prayed together and laughed together. I have to give u the visual. My uncle never smiles. He always has this gruff persona he tries to emit but we just laugh at him and know that if he isn't telling one of us off then it's all good.
I never wanted this weekend to end. I'm so grateful for the experience because it made me realize I want....black love.
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