Win mi see cuz pun de oda side de family compound juss afta dayclean mi hail um. A quick laugh that morning turned into a flow of love that has rippled out and continued to return to me like a tide ebbing and flowing each day. As I’ve said before, ain nuttin like some Gullah/Geechee love fa tru! Believe me! My folks ain’t gonna say it if they don’t have it for you!
After laughing and sharing some family updates, I had to walk away backwards or cuz would have kept me there all day and I needed to get on the road. I barely got a mile away when the phone rang in the car and I answered the call. We continued the conversation and he ended with “Cuz, I love you and don’t let nobody tell you differently!” I said, “I appreciate it and I love you too!” I smiled for the rest of the day.
A few days later, another cousin and I laughed and laughed after my mom and I finished reprimanding him for not taking care of his health as he should. His brother came by so we said, “Go on and do what you gotta do.” He said, “Love you.” I said, “Love you too cuz.” and as I was hanging up the phone in the back of my mind I heard the other cousin saying, “and don’t let nobody tell you differently!” I smiled again for the rest of the evening.
Now, months later, I think of my cousins and I hear their deep voices and feel the sincerity of their souls. I appreciate the love and I appreciate them. These cousins ain’t no joke and most folks would agree, dey ain soft out een dem streets. So, I know that when we talk and laugh, there is no pretense. They have my back and I have theirs as family should be. Each time I reflect on these conversations with them, I smile again. Through the snow storm, the smiles and the recollection of the laughter kept me warm. Ain’t nuthin like some true Gullah/Geechee love! It’s warm like a good handmade quilt and it holds generations of story and legacy within it.
As Valentine’s/Black Love Weekend came and went, I kept rehearing these cousins in my mind and soul. I was blessed to see one of them and talk to the other one. The vibes were good and uplifting. Aaah, but things went up a notch when de Gullah/Geechee Famlee came together to celebrate at events for Black History Month! The love in the hugs, smiles and laughter felt soul cleansing like a warm Sea Island rain. As we laughed, sang and danced, I kept hearing in my heart: “I love you and don’t let nobody tell you differently!” I gave thanks for my people-my Gullah/Geechee Anointed People! I smiled.
As I thought about when I would write about this and what I would share, I suddenly felt like Gladys Knight was with me singing, “I feel a song in my heart again.” I was hearing a remix of the words that my cousin spoke that morning and then I realized it wasn’t a remix. His words were somewhat of a remake. I found myself rapping the words that epitomized what I heard that morning, what I heard again on the telephone and what I have been feeling and witnessing with my Gullah/Geechee Famlee all month-“Unconditional Love:”
In this game, the lesson’s in your eyes to see
Though things change, the future’s still inside of me
We must remember that tomorrow comes after the dark
So you will always be in my heart, with unconditional love
I give thanks that while many others don’t seem to be able to put and keep their heads up and their minds clear enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the midst of the world’s madness and darkness, I thank GOD that in the Gullah/Geechee Nation, the love always serves as a reminder that “tomorrow comes after the dark” and that “joy comes in the morning.” To my Gullah/Geechee Famlee, especially my cousins that showed me love that is still resonating with me, “You will always be in my heart, with unconditional love” and don’t let nobody tell you differently!
Tenk GAWD fa Gullah/Geechee Famlee love!
Peace and love,
Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation (www.QueenQuet.com)