Hope & Those We Carry

You haven't lost them; they go with you.

Hope Matters

Hey Hope Buddies,

Over the past few weeks, there have been a series of events that has caused me to think even more about the people who have and do strongly impact my life and how I show up in the world. Every day I walk this earth I carry a bit of them with me. Mostly, I think of those I no longer have with me. However, there are some who are still on this side who show up, too.

In reference to my Bigma, my dad would often say this after I’d finish singing in church:

As long as you’re living, she’ll never die.

When I think of who lives on in me, I most often feel immense pride and sometimes a tinge of sadness, because I can’t share this life with them. When I think of the ones who are still with me, I try to let them know just how much they’ve helped shape my life and share how I show up in spaces because of them.

This is an open hopeletter of gratitude to my:

• Parents - for giving me life, being the light that showed me the way to The Light, always encouraging me to do my best, teaching me how to show up at work, and loving me like no others

• Maternal grandmother - for my singing voice, setting our family on the education path, teaching us the value of family, praying fervently for us

• Maternal grandfather - for leading our family on the entrepreneurial path, demonstrating an unshakable faith in God

• Paternal grandmother - for seeing me, teaching me to test the limits, allowing me new freedoms

• Godparents - for demonstrating boldness and being unapologetic in it and being frank with me while having a listening ear

Certainly, this is not an exhaustive list. There are many who have come and gone over my lifetime; there are many who are still with me. However, this list is who were most impactful in my formative years. And no matter where I go or what I do, you get to meet at least one of them, too.

To them I say, thank you with my whole heart; I say thank you with my life; I say thank You, God, for them. You made them especially for me.

💜,

Parthenia

Coffee Matters

Hey, Coffee Buddies!

Now, I do enjoy my morning 2 cups of coffee, preferably in a pour over. I enjoy talking about and trying new coffees as well. I do this so much that most people think I’m a coffee junkie who chugs 3 gallons a day and isn’t coherent or can’t live without it. Or they believe I wake up and zombie-walk straight for the coffee pot. Essentially, they see me like this…

However, that is the farthest thing from the truth. Before I take my first sip, I typically have been up and active for about 2 1/2 hours, either writing or working out (mostly the latter). So, coffee looks more like this for me…

I savor my coffee, and it’s part of a morning ritual I have, specifically when I’m connecting with God. (I imagine He has His cup just like I do. 🤭)

My coffee ritual is about communion, and if you look into coffee’s origins, you’ll find that’s how it was intended. I enjoy my coffee best when I’m communing with God, my family, or friends. As a matter of fact, some of my fondest memories are of the adults in my life gathering at the table and sipping coffee, whether early in the morning or after dinner with dessert. I didn’t understand it then, but I get it now.

So, Coffee Buddies, I pray you have the best day and that you share your coffee with those you love.

Whom do you carry? What about them makes you grateful?

With whom do you enjoy sharing a cup of coffee?

Feel free to answer either of these questions in the comments below.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.