My Mother Mary

If you've read Rooted, then you already know how much my mom meant to me. She was special on so many levels. There was this quiet spirit about her that almost defied logic. I never heard of her being in any drama, holding a grudge, or in conflict with anyone... and I’m not exaggerating. She was grace pertsonified.

Now, as I reflect on her life, I realize Momma embodied what it truly means to do herself well. She never tried to be anything she wasn’t—always comfortable in her own skin. She was content being the quiet one, even though she spoke volumes when encouraging others. She was content stepping back and letting others take the spotlight, even though her faith took center stage. I admire her more now than I ever did while she was alive. And I’ll admit—I took that, and her, for granted. I foolishly assumed she would always be here, never fully gleaning all I could from her while she was here. But today, I see her teaching me more than ever before. Her legacy still speaks volumes, and it will live on forever.

I should have known she was extraordinary the day we laid her to rest. Our church sat on about ten acres, and it felt like every inch was filled with cars and people who loved and respected her—in 100-degree South Carolina August heat, at that—just to pay their respects. It was incredible to see how many lives she had touched over the years.

Momma may not have gone to college, may not have had a corporate job, and may have been a homemaker most of her life—but that day, I realized just how important she was to so many people. When I look at my daughter, my granddaughter, and my nieces, I see the same grace Momma carried, and I’m amazed that it's been passed down to them. She was the very picture of grace, and she extended it to everyone she met.

She may have left this world thinking her contribution was small, but she had no idea how big of an impact she had—and still has. Though she's been gone 18 years now, people still speak so highly of her. They say a person dies twice; once when they leave this earth, and again when people stop mentioning their name. And as long as I have breath, others will know who Mary Lee Brown Flemming was, and what an extraordinary human being she was. 

With that said... thank you, Momma, for teaching me how to finally do myself well. For that, I will be eternally grateful. Love you always!