Celebrating My Ancestral Roots

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." --- Frederick Douglass

As God allows me to navigate this path of my life's' journey, I often reflect on that spirit of fortitude, the work ethic, encouragement to reach my educational goals and more that my parents passed on to me. What a legacy! Oh the memories I cherish in my heart to this day of Growing up in that humble, modest home on McKinstry's Mill Road. Perhaps we were economically disadvantaged, but we were

Moses Eugene and Mary Theresa Key Jones

oh so rich in family love. As one of a family of nine, we did not have inside plumbing, nor did we have central heating, but we were never hungry, always had clean clothes, were taught to respect others, taught the importance of doing more than 100 percent, and to read, read, read! My dad had only an 8th grade education, but he would often tell me stories about life that would help me to understand concepts as I worked on my homework. both of my parents were avid readers and as I recall, we always had reading material in our home. How I would languish over the pages of National Geographic, Life, Look, Ebony, Jet, The Afro-American, the Sunday Baltimore News American (my siblings and I would tussle over who would get first dibs on the "funnies"). I remember reading a biography of Abraham Lincoln, Catcher in the Rye and other adult books at a young age because my parents were reading them. Perhaps they could foresee that their Middle Child would develop a lifelong love of the printed word-- the printed word in all formats. Thanks Mum and Daddy. Your love, encouragement and nurturing sprit fostered a deep desire for me to select, then work for over 40 years in a profession that I truly loved.

Christmas 2013

"... For unto us a Child is born. Unto us, a son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulders.  And His name shall be called Wonderful, counselor! Almighty  God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace..."


For the first time since my sons were adults, we were able to share Christmas Eve together.  God provided a season of laughter, tears and reflection.  As we prepared to celebrate the birth of our  Savior,  I marveled at how His birth was predicted by the profit Isaiah over 700 years prior to the actual event.   Why did God choose a young teenager to carry His son?  How miraculous that Our Abba,  Father, commissioned His son to leave the glory of heaven to be implanted in the womb of a peasant girl.  Why did God reveal His miracle to the shepherds, first?  "... Mary did you know that your baby boy, would one day walk on water..."

Susan Komen 3 Day 60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer

Washington D.C.

October 11-13, 2013

Day One.  Because of the Federal Government Shut-down, our circuitous route included neighborhoods in Wheaton, D.C., Silver Spring, Seminary Park, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, then back to our Base Camp at the D.C. National Guard Armory             The rain did not deter us.  After the Zumba warm-up. we were ready to kick-it!         Base Camp  The D.C. National guard Armory     Teen Volunteers Friends from Philly
Day Two. We arose early for breakfast. Our 17 plus mile route opened onto the streets of Washington D.C., Arlington, and the Georgetown area. Despite more rain, we walked confidently on through the course, enjoying the cheering stations and the community support. Upon our return to Base Camp, we enjoyed a deliciously hot dinner.  Another leg of our journey was done!  All 1000 plus walkers, countless volunteers/crew members slept soundly in our Pink Tents.
Day Three. Sunday’s course remained mostly dry as we looped through neighborhoods around the Capitol and the Mall in D.C. Private Cheering stations dotted the route, especially on the last four miles of the course.  I was so blessed to be one of the first 20 walkers of 1000 to cross the finish line.  I know that Mom and sweet Linder were holding me together when I thought I could not make another step. The Federal Government may have moved our Closing Ceremony, but it did not stop us from celebrating. We gathered at RFK Stadium with heightened emotion after a demanding Susan Komen 3-Day event. Together we raised $2.7 million to help end breast cancer.   I praise God for giving me the strength and the fortitude to finish the course.  “Apart from Him, I am nothing.” Thank you, thank you to all of my Prayer Partners and supporters --- Rose

 

 

Hawaiian Adventure



Diamond Head - view from the beach.



 

 

Hawaiian Coconut Palm

Banyon Tree

Native Flora

Morning walk along the Pacific Shore

Grands

Morgan Bowman

Freshman at Catholic High School Baltimore MD
So very proud of you for making the Varsity Squad.

 

Fall Harvest Night at Calvert Hall

 

Beautiful Smile!  What a beautiful Young Lady.
  I can hardly believe that you are all grown up.

 

Grammy Rose and Colin Time

Just love my cereal.

I Love you Grammy.

Getting my feet measured.

At the Stride -Rite store getting fitted for Colin's first pair of shoes.

Having fun.

What pair should I get?

 

My Soul Mate, My Best Friend, "absent from the body and present with the Lord"

Steven Nelson Allen  July 5, 1943 - April 1, 2012

I will always love you.

Flag and greetings were sent from President Obama.

My soul Mate of 31 years went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 2012.  The last seven weeks of Steve's life was filled with joys and pain.   Steve had progressed to the point where he had learned to walk again, had met all of his Physical Therapy goals and was looking forward to coming home.  Sadly, the Pneumonia that invaded his body three  days before his death, compromised his immune system.  I laid my head on the pillow beside him that last night of his life and I told him how much I loved him.  I said that it was ok to go because Jesus was waiting for him, and that I would be fine. I firmly believe that he could hear me because after three short breaths, he was with Jesus.  Absent from the body, and present with the Lord.